JLPT N4 Grammar
· Elementary
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· Elementary
to perceive a smell, sound, taste, or sensation
Category: Expressions
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.
| 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 |
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
隣の部屋から、変な音______します。
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