〜ことにする

〜ことにする is a verb form expressing decide to ~. 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 an intermediate pattern used regularly in everyday Japanese conversation and writing.

When to Use#

• When making a personal decision after consideration
• When choosing to do something based on your own will

When NOT to Use#

• When the meaning is closer to "it turns out that ~" — use 〜ことになる instead
• In very formal writing where a more sophisticated expression would be expected

Example Sentences#

• 書道を習うことにしました。 — I decided to learn calligraphy.
• 家政婦を雇うことにしました。 — I decided to hire a housekeeper.
• 今日は早く寝ることにしました。 — I decided to go to bed early today.

Practice#

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

Common Mistakes#

1. Confusing 〜ことにする with 〜ことになる — While both are related, 〜ことにする expresses "decide to ~" whereas 〜ことになる expresses "it turns out that ~." Pay attention to the specific nuance each pattern conveys.
2. 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#

• 〜ことになる (it turns out that ~) — Compare