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Definition
The grammar pattern ～にする is used to express a decision or choice among several options. It is formed by combining a noun with にする, indicating the chosen item or option. This pattern is commonly used in everyday conversations to convey a sense of selection or preference. For example, when asked about a preferred drink, one might say "私はお茶にする" (I will choose tea). The nuance of this pattern lies in its ability to convey a sense of deliberation and choice, setting it apart from other decision-making patterns like ことにする or となる.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | Noun + にする | 飲み物 + にする |
| Noun (with polite suffix -san) | Noun + -san + にする | 飲み物 + -san + にする |
| Noun (with honorific suffix -no) | Noun + -no + にする | 飲み物 + -no + にする |
Examples
私はお茶にする。
Watashi wa o-cha ni suru.
I will choose tea.
私は (I) + お茶 (tea) + にする (choose)
色々ありましたが、誕生日のプレゼントは時計にする。
Iroiro arimashita ga, tanjoubi no purezento wa tokei ni suru.
Although there were many options, I decided to choose a watch as a birthday present.
色々ありましたが (although there were many options) + 誕生日のプレゼント (birthday present) + は (topic marker) + 時計 (watch) + にする (choose)
今日の昼ご飯はカレーにする。
Kyou no hiru gohan wa karē ni suru.
I will choose curry for today's lunch.
今日の (today's) + 昼ご飯 (lunch) + は (topic marker) + カレー (curry) + にする (choose)
Context
The pattern ～にする is commonly used in informal conversations to express a decision or choice. It is often used in situations where the speaker is selecting one option from several possibilities. In formal writing or speaking, the pattern することが決まる (it is decided that...) or することにする (it is decided to...) may be used instead.
Watch out
The pattern ～にする requires the use of に to indicate the chosen item or option. Using を instead of に would result in a different grammatical structure.
The pattern ことにする requires a verb to indicate the action being decided upon, whereas ～にする requires a noun to indicate the chosen item or option.
The pattern となる indicates a natural outcome or a decision that has already been made, whereas ～にする indicates a deliberate choice or decision.
Strategy
When encountering the pattern ～にする in the JLPT exam, pay close attention to the context and the surrounding words. Make sure to identify the chosen item or option and the decision being made. Also, be aware of the common mistakes listed above and avoid using を instead of に.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows ～にする used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
A「飲み物は何がいいですか？」 B「私はお茶にします。」
Pattern used: にします
Noun + にする is the standard way to state a choice from a menu or set of options.
色々ありましたが、誕生日のプレゼントは時計にしました。
Pattern used: にしました
にしました expresses the final decision among various gift choices.
今日の昼ご飯はカレーにしましょう。
Pattern used: にしましょう
にしましょう is used when suggesting a choice to others.
Interactive
A「飲み物は何がいいですか？」 B「私はお茶______。」
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.