N4Expressions

～がする (ga suru)

Q: Is "Using 'o suru' instead of 'ga suru' for smells/sounds" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use 'ga suru' for smells/sounds". The particle 'が' is used to indicate the sensory input, and 'suru' is used to indicate the action of perceiving. Using 'o suru' would be incorrect because it would imply the action of doing something to the sensory input, rather than perceiving it.

Q: Is "Confusing with 'kikoeru/mieru' (though similar in nuance)" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use 'ga suru' for sensory perception, and 'kikoeru/mieru' for active perception". While 'kikoeru/mieru' can be used to describe sensory perception, they imply a more active role on the part of the perceiver, whereas 'ga suru' implies a more passive role.

Q: Is "Using with visual things where 'ga mieru' is better" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use 'ga mieru' for visual perception". When describing visual perception, it's generally better to use 'ga mieru' rather than 'ga suru', as it implies a more active role on the part of the perceiver.

to perceive a smell, sound, taste, or sensation

Definition

Meaning

The grammar pattern "～がする (ga suru)" is used to express involuntary sensory perception, such as smells, sounds, tastes, and physical sensations. This pattern is distinct from active perception verbs like "聞く (to listen)" or "見る (to look)". The sensory input takes the particle "が", never "を". This pattern is commonly used in everyday conversation to describe the sensory experiences that one encounters.

Structure

Formation Rules

Form	Pattern	Example
Base form of the verb	Verb + が + する	匂う (to smell) becomes 匂いがする
Base form of the verb	Verb + が + する (with a change in pronunciation)	聞く (to listen) becomes 聞こえがする
Base form of the verb	Verb + が + する (with a change in pronunciation)	見る (to look) becomes 見えがする

Examples

Example Sentences

隣の部屋から、変な音がする

Tonari no heya kara, hen na oto ga suru

There's a strange noise coming from the next room.

隣の部屋から (from the next room), 変な音が (strange noise), する (is)

キッチンからいいにおいがする

Kitchen kara ii nioki ga suru

There's a nice smell coming from the kitchen.

キッチンから (from the kitchen), いいにおいが (nice smell), する (is)

このスープは、ちょっと変な味がする

Kono suupu wa, chotto hen na aji ga suru

This soup tastes a bit strange.

このスープは (this soup), ちょっと変な味が (bit strange taste), する (is)

寒気がする

Samukigasa ga suru

It feels chilly.

寒気 (chill), が (particle), する (is)

雨が降ってくる音がする

Ame ga futte kuru oto ga suru

The sound of the rain falling is loud.

雨が (rain), 降ってくる (is falling), 音が (sound), する (is)

Context

Usage Notes

This pattern is commonly used in everyday conversation to describe sensory experiences. It can be used with a wide range of verbs, including those that describe smells, sounds, tastes, and physical sensations. The pattern is often used in a casual or informal setting, and is not typically used in formal writing or speech.

Watch out

Common Mistakes

Using 'o suru' instead of 'ga suru' for smells/sounds

Use 'ga suru' for smells/sounds

The particle 'が' is used to indicate the sensory input, and 'suru' is used to indicate the action of perceiving. Using 'o suru' would be incorrect because it would imply the action of doing something to the sensory input, rather than perceiving it.

Confusing with 'kikoeru/mieru' (though similar in nuance)

Use 'ga suru' for sensory perception, and 'kikoeru/mieru' for active perception

While 'kikoeru/mieru' can be used to describe sensory perception, they imply a more active role on the part of the perceiver, whereas 'ga suru' implies a more passive role.

Using with visual things where 'ga mieru' is better

Use 'ga mieru' for visual perception

When describing visual perception, it's generally better to use 'ga mieru' rather than 'ga suru', as it implies a more active role on the part of the perceiver.

Strategy

JLPT Exam Tips

When taking the JLPT, be careful to use the correct particle ('が' or 'を') and verb form when describing sensory perception. Make sure to distinguish between 'ga suru' and 'kikoeru/mieru', and use 'ga mieru' for visual perception.

In context