目錄
The Japanese causative form 「〜せる／〜させる」 is used to express making or letting someone do something, and it is one of the verb conjugation patterns that learners often struggle with. The rules themselves are not particularly difficult to memorize. What makes the causative tricky is that the same 「〜させる」 can describe a parent forcing a child to eat vegetables, a boss allowing an employee to take time off, or even someone telling a bad joke that makes everyone laugh. These meanings are very different, and the particle marking the person performing the action can also switch between 「に」 and 「を」. This article explains the conjugation rules of the causative form together with its three core nuances: compulsion, permission, and emotional causation.
The core concept of the Japanese causative 「〜させる」 and everyday situations
If you work part-time or live in Japan, the causative is also one of the essential grammar points you encounter as you move into intermediate Japanese. It appears constantly in everyday situations such as asking for time off, requesting permission, or describing work you have been assigned. When many learners encounter the causative toward the end of the beginner level, the most common frustration is that they have memorized all the verb changes but still do not know when to use them. They may also worry that using the causative will make them sound rude. This is mainly because the causative involves more than verb conjugation: it also carries an element of hierarchy and authority. Used in the wrong situation, a single sentence can sound condescending.
Take a real-life situation. If you are working part-time in Japan and the manager says 「今日は早く帰らせてあげる」 (“I’ll let you go home early today”), the causative carries a considerate nuance. But if you say to a coworker, 「これをやらせる」 (“I’m going to make you do this”), the tone suddenly sounds like an order. Even though both use the causative, the difference in nuance is substantial. Understanding the conjugation rules and the three core usages first will help you avoid sounding impolite in situations where politeness matters.
How is the Japanese causative used? Verb conjugation and particle rules
The causative construction has two parts: the verb must be changed into the causative form, and the particle used in the sentence changes depending on whether the verb is intransitive or transitive. It is easier to learn the verb changes first and then move on to the particles.
Causative conjugation rules: the three verb groups
Japanese verbs are divided into three groups, and each group follows its own causative conjugation pattern. Group 1 verbs (godan verbs) change the 「い-row」 sound of the ます-form to the corresponding 「あ-row」 sound and add 「せる」. Group 2 verbs (ichidan verbs) drop ます and add 「させる」. Group 3 verbs (irregular verbs) change individually: する→させる and くる→こさせる. For the basics of verb classification, you can first refer to How are Japanese verbs divided into three groups? A complete guide to godan, ichidan, and irregular verbs.
| Verb group | Conjugation rule | Examples |
| Group 1 (godan) | い-row→あ-row＋せる | 書く→書かせる、飲む→飲ませる |
| Group 1 (verbs ending in 〜う) | い→わ＋せる | 手伝う→手伝わせる、買う→買わせる |
| Group 2 (ichidan) | Drop ます＋させる | 食べる→食べさせる、見る→見させる |
| Group 3 (irregular) | Changes individually | する→させる、来る→来させる |
Pay particular attention to Group 1 verbs ending in 「〜う」. 手伝う does not become 「手伝あせる」; it becomes 「手伝わせる」. The sound changes to 「わ」 rather than 「あ」, and this is one of the most common mistakes learners make.
Causative particle rules: 「に」 and 「を」 with intransitive and transitive verbs
Particles are the most confusing part of the causative. The core rule is that with a transitive verb, the person performing the action is marked by 「に」, while with an intransitive verb, that person is marked by 「を」. The reason is that Japanese has a restriction against using two 「を」 phrases in the same sentence, known as the prohibition against double accusative marking（「二重ヲ格の禁止」）.
| Verb type | Particle marking the person performing the action | Example |
| Transitive verb (the sentence already contains を) | に | 先生は学生に本を読ませる |
| Intransitive verb (the sentence has no object marked by を) | を | 先生は学生を立たせる |
The transitive verb 「読む」 already appears with 「本を」, so the person performing the action must be marked as 「学生に」 to avoid having two instances of を compete with each other. The intransitive verb 「立つ」 has no object marked by を, so the person performing the action is marked as 「学生を」. There is a clear logic behind this rule, so it does not have to be memorized mechanically.
- Example: 先生は学生に漢字を書かせました。
Kana: せんせいはがくせいにかんじをかかせました。
Translation: The teacher made the students write kanji.
The transitive verb 「書く」 already appears with 「漢字を」, so the person performing the action, 「学生」, is marked by 「に」. This is the standard causative structure with a transitive verb. - Example: コーチは選手を走らせました。
Kana: コーチはせんしゅをはしらせました。
Translation: The coach made the athletes run.
The intransitive verb 「走る」 has no object, so the person performing the action, 「選手」, is marked by 「を」. The sentence carries a clear sense of instruction or demand. - Example: 母は子供に公園を走らせた。
Kana: ははははこどもにこうえんをはしらせた。
Translation: The mother made the child run through the park.
Although 「走る」 is an intransitive verb, this sentence contains 「公園を」, where を marks the route or path of movement. To avoid using two instances of を, the person performing the action is instead marked as 「子供に」. This is an exception involving causatives of intransitive verbs that many learners overlook.
The three core functions of the Japanese causative: compulsion, permission, and emotional causation
The same 「〜させる」 can carry three different nuances depending on the context: compulsion, permission or letting, and causation, particularly the causing of emotions. The key question is “whose intention is behind the action?” Is the causer forcing the other person to do something, or did that person already want to do it and the causer simply gave permission?
Causative usage ①｜Expressing compulsion or instruction
The compulsory use of the causative means that the causer requires or assigns someone to perform an action regardless of that person’s wishes. This is the most typical use of the causative and the meaning learners most readily associate with it. The tone requires particular care because it clearly reflects a top-down power relationship. Using it toward an equal or a superior can sound extremely rude.
- Example: 母は子供に嫌いな野菜を食べさせた。
Kana: ははははこどもにきらいなやさいをたべさせた。
Translation: The mother forced the child to eat vegetables the child disliked.
The child did not want to eat them, but the mother forced the child to do so. This is the standard compulsory causative and carries the sense of “whether you want to or not.” - Example: 部長は新入社員に残業させた。
Kana: ぶちょうはしんにゅうしゃいんにざんぎょうさせた。
Translation: The department manager made the new employee work overtime.
This is a workplace causative expressing an instruction from a superior to a subordinate. The subordinate’s wishes are not taken into consideration, and the tone is neutral but leans toward an order. - Example: 先生は宿題を忘れた生徒を立たせた。
Kana: せんせいはしゅくだいをわすれたせいとをたたせた。
Translation: The teacher punished the student who had forgotten the homework by making the student stand.
This is a compulsory causative of the intransitive verb 「立つ」, so the person performing the action is marked by 「を」. It carries a nuance of punishment or correction.
Causative usage ②｜Expressing permission or letting someone act freely
The permission or letting use applies when the other person already wants to do something and the causer says, in effect, “That’s fine,” giving permission or choosing not to interfere. This is the gentler side of the causative. It often appears with words such as 「自由に」 and 「好きな」 and is also frequently combined with giving-and-receiving expressions such as 「〜てくれる／〜てもらう」 to express gratitude.
- Example: 娘が留学したいと言うので、アメリカに留学させることにした。
Kana: むすめがりゅうがくしたいというので、アメリカにりゅうがくさせることにした。
Translation: My daughter said she wanted to study abroad, so we decided to let her study in the United States.
The daughter herself wants to study abroad, and her parents give her permission. This is a typical permission causative with no sense of coercion. - Example: 子供を遊びたいだけ遊ばせておいた。
Kana: こどもをあそびたいだけあそばせておいた。
Translation: I let the child play as much as the child wanted.
Combined with 「〜ておく」, this is the letting or non-interference use of the causative. The causer does not interfere and allows the other person to continue doing what they want. - Example: アルバイト先のオーナーがよく食べさせてくれた。
Kana: アルバイトさきのオーナーがよくたべさせてくれた。
Translation: The owner at my part-time job often treated me to food.
This combines a permission causative with the giving expression 「〜てくれる」, expressing that the other person allowed something and bestowed a benefit, which creates a sense of gratitude. There is no oppressive top-down nuance at all.
Causative usage ③｜Expressing emotional causation
The causative can also describe an action or event that “causes” an emotional reaction in someone, such as making someone laugh, worry, or become angry. This use is limited to verbs expressing emotions, such as 笑う、泣く、怒る、心配する、驚く and similar verbs. It is also not restricted by hierarchical relationships and can be used with anyone.
- Example: 彼はいつもみんなを笑わせる。
Kana: かれはいつもみんなをわらわせる。
Translation: He always makes everyone laugh.
「笑う」 is an emotion-related verb, and his words or behavior cause everyone to laugh. This is an emotional causative with a positive nuance and no sense of coercion. - Example: 急に連絡が取れなくなって、両親を心配させてしまった。
Kana: きゅうにれんらくがとれなくなって、りょうしんをしんぱいさせてしまった。
Translation: I suddenly became unreachable and ended up making my parents worry.
This is an emotional causative with 「心配する」. Combined with 「〜てしまう」, it conveys the sense that the result happened unintentionally and that the speaker feels somewhat apologetic. - Example: サプライズパーティーを開いて、彼女をびっくりさせたい。
Kana: サプライズパーティーをひらいて、かのじょをびっくりさせたい。
Translation: I want to throw a surprise party and surprise her.
This is an emotional causative with 「びっくりする」. The person experiencing the emotion is marked by 「を」. Because the emotion is being caused rather than an action being imposed, the expression is perfectly natural even with an equal or someone close to you.
What is the difference between compulsory and permissive causatives? Key contextual clues
Compulsory and permissive causatives use exactly the same 「〜させる」 form. The difference lies entirely in the context. There is only one key question: did the person performing the action “already want to do it,” or were they “forced to do it”?
| Point of comparison | Compulsion / instruction | Permission / letting |
| Intention of the person performing the action | Does not want to do it; is forced | Already wants to do it |
| Attitude of the causer | Does not consider the other person’s wishes | Respects and accepts the other person’s wishes |
| Commonly accompanying words | None in particular; commanding context | 自由に、好きな、〜ておく |
| Commonly accompanying patterns | Used by itself | 〜てくれる、〜てもらう、〜てあげる |
| Overall nuance | Pressure, top-down | Consideration, letting go |
▌Clue ①｜Does the sentence contain 「自由に」 or 「好きな」?
❌ Easy to misinterpret: 母親は子供におもちゃを買わせた。
(This sentence alone does not tell us whether the meaning is compulsion or permission.)
✅ With an added clue: 母親は子供に好きなおもちゃを買わせた。
Once 「好きな」 appears, it clearly indicates permission or letting: the mother lets the child buy a toy the child likes, respecting the child’s choice.
▌Clue ②｜Is there a giving-and-receiving expression?
❌ Neutral: 課長は私に出張させた。
(A straightforward instruction with a somewhat compulsory nuance.)
✅ Permission: 課長は私に出張させてくれた。
Adding 「〜てくれる」 changes the meaning to “The section chief allowed me to go on the business trip and made it possible for me,” turning it into a permission causative with a sense of gratitude. This is also why the causative on its own can sound high-handed, while combining it with a giving-and-receiving expression makes the tone more modest.
The causative in Japanese workplace conversation: business situations and polite expressions
The causative 「〜させる」 occupies an important place in Japanese workplace language and the honorific system. Understanding it also helps explain the Japanese communication habit of “not giving direct orders.” Japanese society places importance on hierarchy and maintaining face, and directly saying 「やれ」 (“Do it”) is too rude. As a result, causatives are frequently combined with giving-and-receiving expressions to package an action as “asking for permission.” The most typical example is 「〜させていただく」. On the surface, it means “please allow me to do this,” but in practice it is an extremely polite way of stating what the speaker is going to do and is virtually ubiquitous in business settings.
▌Situation ①｜Asking your manager for time off at a part-time job in Japan
A：すみません、明日の午前中、休ませていただけませんか。
すみません、あしたのごぜんちゅう、やすませていただけませんか。
Excuse me, would it be possible for me to take tomorrow morning off?
B：大丈夫ですよ。ゆっくり休んでください。
だいじょうぶですよ。ゆっくりやすんでください。
That’s fine. Please get some good rest.
📌 Grammar Point: 「休ませていただけませんか」 combines the causative 「休ませる」＋the giving-and-receiving expression 「いただく」＋a negative question to form an extremely polite request. Literally, it means “Would it not be possible for me to be allowed to rest?” In practice, it is a very polite way to ask for time off and is highly useful in Japanese workplaces.
▌Situation ②｜Politely indicating that you will speak during a meeting
A：それでは、私から説明させていただきます。
それでは、わたしからせつめいさせていただきます。
In that case, allow me to explain.
B：はい、お願いします。
はい、おねがいします。
Yes, please.
📌 Grammar Point: 「説明させていただきます」 takes the active act of “I will explain” and wraps it in a causative＋giving-and-receiving construction meaning “I will explain with your permission.” It is a standard opening in Japanese business presentations and formal remarks and sounds humble and polite.
Cultural Notes:
- The widespread use of 「〜させていただく」 in Japanese workplaces reflects Japanese society’s strong sensitivity to “not imposing on others.” Even when something is part of one’s own responsibilities, it may still be phrased as “doing it with the other person’s permission,” linguistically handing the initiative over to the other party. This is a core feature of Japanese-style humility.
- The causative-passive form 「〜させられる」 expresses “being forced to do something” and is frequently used by office workers when complaining. 「残業させられた」 (“I was forced to work overtime”) combines the compulsory causative with the passive, producing a strong sense of resignation or frustration. It is a vivid window into Japanese workplace culture.
- Both 「〜させてください」 and 「〜させていただけませんか」 request permission, but the latter is more polite. The former is like saying “Please let me do it,” whereas the latter is closer to “Would you be kind enough to allow me to do it?” and adds another layer of indirectness. The more formal the situation, the more likely the latter is to be used.
How does the Japanese causative 「〜させる」 compare with Korean 「〜게 하다／시키다」?
◆ Similar grammar: 〜게 하다／시키다
Korean mainly expresses causation in two ways. One is 「verb stem＋게 하다」, meaning to make or let someone do something. The other is 「noun＋시키다」, meaning to cause or have an activity carried out. The first closely corresponds structurally to Japanese 「〜させる」 because both express causing someone to perform an action. The second attaches directly to a noun to express causing that activity to occur.
- Example: 엄마가 아이에게 야채를 먹게 했어요.
Romanization: eom-ma-ga a-i-e-ge ya-chae-reul meok-ge hae-sseo-yo
Translation: The mother made the child eat vegetables.
「먹게 하다」 corresponds to Japanese 「食べさせる」 and likewise expresses making someone perform an action. The person performing the action is marked by 「에게」（≒に）. - Example: 선생님이 학생을 공부시켰어요.
Romanization: seon-saeng-nim-i hak-saeng-eul gong-bu-si-kyeo-sseo-yo
Translation: The teacher made the student study.
「공부시키다」 follows the 「noun＋시키다」 pattern, turning the noun 「공부」 (“study”) directly into a causative expression. Japanese does not have this same convenient word-formation pattern.
◆ Core difference from the Japanese causative 「〜させる」:
Japanese handles causation through a single verb-conjugation system, 「〜せる／〜させる」, across all of these situations. Korean, by contrast, has two systems: 「게 하다」 with verbs and 「시키다」 with nouns. In addition, Japanese has developed a particularly extensive humble system around forms such as 「〜させていただく」, for which Korean does not have a completely equivalent construction. In Korean, respect and politeness are primarily carried by sentence endings and vocabulary.
Once you are comfortable with causative conjugation, the next form you will naturally encounter is the causative-passive, which allows you to clearly express the frustration of being forced to do something. It is useful to learn these two forms together as a set. Doing so makes it easier to structure sentences about who made whom do what and who was forced by whom to do something. On the surface, the causative may look like nothing more than a simple verb conjugation, but in practice it is also an important key to understanding how Japanese speakers package commands in polite language. Spending a little extra time mastering these three everyday nuances will make it easier to capture the distinctly Japanese details of humility and interpersonal distance when you speak.
FAQs
The causative means “to make or let someone do something.” It is formed through verb conjugation: Group 1 verbs change the い-row sound to the あ-row and add せる; Group 2 verbs add させる; and Group 3 verbs change as する→させる and くる→こさせる. Depending on the context, it can express compulsion, permission or letting, or emotional causation.
The key is whether the verb is transitive or intransitive. A transitive sentence already contains 「を」 marking the object, so the person performing the action is marked by 「に」. An intransitive verb has no object, so the person performing the action is marked by 「を」. An exception occurs when an intransitive sentence already contains a route-marking 「を」, as in 公園を走る. In that case, the person performing the action is also switched to 「に」 to avoid repeating を.
Look at whether the person performing the action “already wanted to do it” or “was forced to do it.” If the person was forced, it is compulsion. If the person already wanted to do it and the causer agreed, it is permission. Clues include words such as 「自由に」 and 「好きな」, which often indicate permission, and giving-and-receiving expressions such as 「〜てくれる／〜てもらう」, which also commonly appear with permission causatives.
「〜させていただく」 is an extremely polite expression combining the causative with a giving-and-receiving construction. Literally, it means “to do something with someone’s permission,” but in practice it is used to humbly describe an action the speaker intends to perform. Japanese workplaces place importance on not imposing on others, so speakers phrase their own actions as something carried out “with the other person’s permission.” This creates a modest and polite impression, which is why the form is so common in business settings.
First memorize the three-group framework: Group 1 changes the い-row to the あ-row＋せる; Group 2 adds させる; and Group 3 must be memorized individually. Then remember the particle rule: “transitive verbs use に, intransitive verbs use を.” Finally, use contrasting examples such as 「野菜を食べさせた」 (compulsion) and 「留学させた」 (permission) to lock in the difference between compulsory and permissive causatives.