Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 3
How to form the causative
For godan verbs, change the final う-row sound to the あ-row and add せる. For ichidan verbs, replace る with させる. する becomes させる, and 来る becomes 来させる. The causative means making someone do something or letting someone do something.
Target signal
書く → 書かせる
write → make/let someone write
Notice how Causative Form Basics shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 書く
- to write
- か
- question marker; or
Compare in context
食べる → 食べさせる
eat → make/let someone eat
Notice how Causative Form Basics shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 食べる
- to eat
- さ
- the hiragana character sa
Compare in context
する → させる
do → make/let someone do
Notice how Causative Form Basics shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- する
- to do
- さ
- the hiragana character sa
Section 2 of 3
Make someone do
When the context involves instruction, authority, or obligation, the causative often means “make” or “have someone do” something.
Target signal
先生は学生に作文を書かせました。
The teacher made the students write essays.
Notice how Causative Form Basics shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- した
- did
- 先生
- teacher; instructor; doctor
- 学生
- student
Preview
母は子どもに野菜を食べさせました。
The mother made the child eat vegetables.
Notice how Causative Form Basics shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 子ども
- child; children
- した
- did
- 野菜
- vegetable
Preview
上司は私にその仕事をやり直させました。
My boss made me redo that work.
Notice how Causative Form Basics shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- した
- did
- その
- that
- 仕事
- work; job
Section 3 of 3
Let someone do
When the context is permission, trust, or allowance, the same form can mean “let”. The meaning comes from context, not form alone.
Target signal
父は私を一人で旅行させてくれました。
My father let me travel alone.
Notice how Causative Form Basics shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 一人で
- alone; by oneself
- した
- did
- 一人
- one person; alone
Preview
先生は学生に自由に話させました。
The teacher let the students speak freely.
Notice how Causative Form Basics shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- した
- did
- 先生
- teacher; instructor; doctor
- 学生
- student
Preview
今日は子どもを外で遊ばせます。
Today I will let the children play outside.
Notice how Causative Form Basics shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 子ども
- child; children
- ます
- polite verb ending
- 今日
- today