〜させる

〜させる expresses make / let (causative) — 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 upper-intermediate pattern common in natural conversation and media like news, novels, and dramas.

When to Use#

• When making someone do something (coercion)
• When allowing or letting someone do something (permission)

When NOT to Use#

• When a different nuance than "make / let (causative)" is intended — check the related patterns below

Example Sentences#

• 娘に花を飾らせました。 — I let my daughter arrange the flowers.
• 夫に買い物をさせました。 — I let my husband do the shopping.
• 両親は私を留学させました。 — My parents made me study abroad.

Practice#

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

Common Mistakes#

1. Using 〜させる interchangeably with 使役形 — These patterns are similar but not identical. 使役形 (causative (make/let do)) may be preferred in different contexts or registers.
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#

• 使役形 (causative (make/let do)) — Similar
• 〜させられる (forced to do) — Next step