使役形

使役形 expresses causative (make/let do) — connecting cause and effect in Japanese. Japanese distinguishes between different types of causal relationships, from neutral explanations to blame or gratitude, and choosing the right expression conveys important nuance.

This is an intermediate pattern used regularly in everyday Japanese conversation and writing.

Formation#

Group 1: change final う-sound to あ-sound + せる. Group 2: add させる.

When to Use#

• Making someone do something: 子供に掃除させる (Make the child clean)
• Allowing someone to act: 好きなことをさせてあげる (Let them do what they like)
• Formal permission: 私に説明させてください (Please let me explain)

When NOT to Use#

• When the meaning is closer to "passive (be done to)" — use 受身形 instead
• In very formal writing where a more sophisticated expression would be expected

Example Sentences#

• 母に薬を飲ませられました。 — My mother made me drink medicine.
• 先生が学生を走らせました。 — The teacher made the students run.

Practice#

Try reading these sentences aloud, then check the translation and vocabulary:

Common Mistakes#

1. Confusing 使役形 with 受身形 — While both are related, 使役形 expresses "causative (make/let do)" whereas 受身形 expresses "passive (be done to)." Pay attention to the specific nuance each pattern conveys.
2. Using 使役形 interchangeably with 〜させる — These patterns are similar but not identical. 〜させる (make / let (causative)) may be preferred in different contexts or registers.
3. Wrong verb group conjugation — Group 1 and Group 2 verbs conjugate differently. Common pitfall: treating Group 1 verbs ending in る (like 帰る) as Group 2 verbs.

Related Patterns#

• 受身形 (passive (be done to)) — Compare
• 〜させる (make / let (causative)) — Similar