Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 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 4
How to form the causative
Form the causative for the main verb groups.
Start with the example
→
write → make/let someone write
Notice the variation
→
eat → make/let someone eat
More detail: how to apply this
For godan verbs, change the final u-row kana to the a-row and add : →.
Final becomes , as in →.
For ichidan verbs, replace with : →.
The irregular forms are → and →（）.
Context distinguishes causing, making, and allowing.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Separate the person arranging the action from the person who actually performs it.
is causative. The students speak, while the teacher controls or permits the opportunity.
。
The teacher let the students speak freely.
Separate the person arranging the action from the person who actually performs it.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
→
write → make/let someone write
Vocabulary notes
- 書く
- to write
Compare in context
→
eat → make/let someone eat
Vocabulary notes
- 食べる
- to eat
Compare in context
→
do → make/let someone do
Vocabulary notes
- する
- to do
Section 2 of 4
Make someone do
Make someone do
Start with the example
。
The teacher made the students write essays.
Notice the variation
。
The mother made the child eat vegetables.
More detail: how to apply this
When the context involves instruction, authority, or obligation, the causative often means “make” or “have someone do” something.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
The teacher made the students write essays.
In this example, the message is: The teacher made the students write essays.
。
The teacher made the students write essays.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: The teacher made the students write essays.
Showing Make someone do: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
The teacher made the students write essays.
Vocabulary notes
- 先生
- teacher; instructor; doctor
- 学生
- student
Preview
。
The mother made the child eat vegetables.
Vocabulary notes
- 子ども
- child; children
- 野菜
- vegetable
Preview
。
My boss made me redo that work.
Vocabulary notes
- その
- that
- 仕事
- work; job
Section 3 of 4
Let someone do
Separate the person arranging the action from the person who actually performs it.
Let someone do
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
is the person causing or allowing the activity; identifies who performs the speaking.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
When the context is permission, trust, or allowance, the same form can mean “let”.
The meaning comes from context, not form alone.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
My father let me travel alone.
In this example, the message is: My father let me travel alone.
。
My father let me travel alone.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: My father let me travel alone.
Showing Let someone do: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
My father let me travel alone.
Vocabulary notes
- 一人で
- alone; by oneself
Preview
。
The teacher let the students speak freely.
Vocabulary notes
- 先生
- teacher; instructor; doctor
- 学生
- student
Preview
。
Today I will let the children play outside.
Vocabulary notes
- 今日
- today
- 子ども
- child; children
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
Causative adds someone who causes or permits the child's action.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
Causative adds someone who causes or permits the child's action.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Child ate / mother had or let the child eat
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.