GE12 · Causative: 〜させる

Before you start

The sentences use words you already know, up to the elementary level, and assume basic grammar.

This lesson assumes what you saw in the earlier ones. If something feels shaky, go back to it:

• GE01say what you can do
• GE02say who gives what to whom
• GE03say what happens if or when
• GE04say what something looks like
• GE05say something is done or happened by mistake
• GE06say what always happens when…
• GE07say something happens anyway
• GE08speak as among friends
• GE09say how things are left and prepare
• GE10say what happens if…
• GE11say what is done to you

What you learn

〜に 〜させます

• にthe person made to do something

The causative says someone makes (or lets) another person do something. The person made to act takes に: せんせいは がくせいに ほんを よませます (the teacher has the students read the book). -ru verbs: させる (たべさせる); the others: a row + せる (よむ → よませる). する → させる, くる → こさせる.

• せんせいは がくせいに ほんを よませます。sensei wa gakusei ni hon o yomasemasu.The teacher has the students read the book.
• ははは わたしに へやの そうじを させました。haha wa watashi ni heya no souji o sasemashita.My mother made me clean the room.
• ぶちょうは わたしに ざんぎょうを させました。buchou wa watashi ni zangyou o sasemashita.The boss made me work overtime.
• いぬを こうえんで あそばせます。inu o kouen de asobasemasu.I let the dog play in the park.
• せんせいは がくせいに なまえを かかせます。sensei wa gakusei ni namae o kakasemasu.The teacher has the students write their names.
• ははは わたしに やさいを たべさせます。haha wa watashi ni yasai o tabesasemasu.My mother makes me eat vegetables.

Practice

A short text written only with the kana and grammar you already know. Read it and answer.