〜がする

feel / sense ~

N5verb-forms

〜がする is a verb form expressing feel / sense ~. Understanding this conjugation pattern is essential for expanding what you can express in Japanese. Verb forms are the backbone of Japanese grammar — each form unlocks new ways to describe actions, states, and intentions.

This is a foundational pattern that you will use from day one of your Japanese studies.

Structure

[Sensation noun] + がする

音がする、匂いがする、味がする etc.

When to Use#

  • When describing sensory perceptions (smell, taste, sound)
  • When expressing that something gives a certain impression

When NOT to Use#

  • In very formal writing where a more sophisticated expression would be expected

Example Sentences#

  • 咳が出ます。 — I have a cough.
  • 鼻水が出ます。 — I have a runny nose.
  • めまいがします。 — I feel dizzy.

Practice#

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

N5health

I have a cough.

Neutral

(せき)()ます。

Casual

(せき)()る。

Vocabulary
cough出るto come out
Grammar
〜が出る~ comes out
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N5health

I have a runny nose.

Neutral

鼻水(はなみず)()ます。

Casual

鼻水(はなみず)()る。

Vocabulary
鼻水runny nose出るto come out
Grammar
〜が出る~ comes out
Try in JIVX

Common Mistakes#

  1. 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.

Practice this grammar in JIVX

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