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
When causative means make
If the sentence includes rules, pressure, obligation, or authority, causative usually means “make” or “have someone do”.
Target signal
父は私に全部食べさせました。
My father made me eat all of it.
Notice how Letting vs Making Someone Do shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- した
- did
- 全部
- all; everything
- さ
- the hiragana character sa
Compare in context
先生は遅れた学生を廊下に立たせました。
The teacher made the late student stand in the hallway.
Notice how Letting vs Making Someone Do shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- した
- did
- 先生
- teacher; instructor; doctor
- 学生
- student
Compare in context
会社は社員に毎日報告を書かせています。
The company makes its employees write a report every day.
Notice how Letting vs Making Someone Do shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
- いま
- now
- ます
- polite verb ending
Section 2 of 3
When causative means let
If the context suggests permission, trust, kindness, or personal choice, causative often means “let”. Some texts also include 〜てくれる to make this meaning clearer.
Target signal
母は私を早く寝させてくれました。
My mother let me go to bed early.
Notice how Letting vs Making Someone Do shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- した
- did
- 早く
- early; quickly
- さ
- the hiragana character sa
Preview
先生は学生に好きなテーマを選ばせました。
The teacher let the students choose any topic they liked.
Notice how Letting vs Making Someone Do shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- テーマ
- theme
- した
- did
- 先生
- teacher; instructor; doctor
Preview
店長は新人にレジを使わせました。
The manager let the new employee use the register.
Notice how Letting vs Making Someone Do shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- した
- did
- レジ
- cash register; checkout area
- 店長
- shop manager; store manager
Section 3 of 3
How to read the nuance
The verb form alone does not tell you whether the nuance is strict or generous. Read the surrounding words: are they about rules, permission, trust, or inconvenience? That is what decides the interpretation.
Target signal
今日は頭が痛かったので、先生は私を早く帰らせてくれました。
I had a headache today, so the teacher let me go home early.
Notice how Letting vs Making Someone Do shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- した
- did
- ので
- because; since
- 今日
- today
Preview
忙しかったので、上司は私に昼休みも働かせました。
Because things were busy, my boss made me work during lunch break too.
Notice how Letting vs Making Someone Do shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- 昼休み
- lunch break
- しか
- only; nothing but
- した
- did
Preview
母は危ないから、一人で川へ行かせません。
Because it is dangerous, my mother does not let me go to the river alone.
Notice how Letting vs Making Someone Do shapes the meaning of this sentence in context.
Vocabulary notes
- ません
- polite negative verb ending
- 一人で
- alone; by oneself
- から
- from; because