Meaning & Usage
The 使役形 (Causative Form) is a cornerstone of 中級 (intermediate) Japanese. It describes a situation where one person causes another to perform an action. This "causing" carries two distinct nuances: forcing someone to do something (coercion) or allowing someone to do it (permission).
Unlike English, which uses different verbs like "make," "let," or "have," Japanese uses this single form to cover all these meanings. Context dictates the interpretation. You can usually determine if it is a command or permission by looking at the social hierarchy and the specific particles used in the sentence.
Another common use is the "causative of emotion." This occurs when someone’s action or a specific situation triggers a feeling in another person. For instance, you might use it to say someone made you 驚く (surprised) or 喜ぶ (happy). In polite conversation, the causative often pairs with ～てくれる to express a humble request for permission.
Structure & Formation
Formation rules depend on whether the verb is Group 1, Group 2, or Irregular.
Group 1: U-Verbs (五段動詞)
Change the final "u" vowel of the dictionary form to the "a" sound, then add せる. If the verb ends in a plain vowel like 買う, use "wa" instead of "a" (e.g., 買わせる).
| 辞書形 | 使役形 | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 書く (kaku) | 書かせる (kakaseru) | Make/let write |
| 話す (hanasu) | 話させる (hanasaseru) | Make/let speak |
| 待つ (matsu) | 待たせる (mataseru) | Make/let wait |
| 飲む (nomu) | 飲ませる (nomaseru) | Make/let drink |
Group 2: Ru-Verbs (一段動詞)
Remove the final る and add させる.
| 辞書形 | 使役形 | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 食べる (taberu) | 食べさせる (tabesaseru) | Make/let eat |
| 見る (miru) | 見させる (misaseru) | Make/let see |
| 起きる (okiru) | 起きさせる (okisaseru) | Make/let wake up |
Group 3: Irregular Verbs
These two verbs follow unique patterns that require memorization.
| 辞書形 | 使役形 | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 来る (kuru) | 来させる (kosaseru) | Make/let come |
| する (suru) | させる (saseru) | Make/let do |
Example Sentences
Causative of Command (Force)
These examples highlight an authority figure directing someone to act.
先生は学生に作文を書かせました。
sensei wa gakusei ni sakubun wo kakasemashita.
The teacher made the students write an essay.
部長は田中さんに会議の資料を準備させました。
buchou wa tanaka san ni kaigi no shiryou wo junbi sasemashita.
The department manager made Mr. Tanaka prepare the meeting materials.
Causative of Permission
These sentences focus on allowing someone to do something they desire.
父は私に留学させてくれました。
chichi wa watashi ni ryuugaku sasete kuremashita.
My father let me study abroad.
今日は体調が悪いので、早く帰らせてください。
kyou wa taichou ga warui node, hayaku kaerasete kudasai.
I'm not feeling well today, so please let me go home early.
Causative of Emotion
Used when an action triggers a psychological response in others.
彼はいつも冗談を言って、周りの人を笑わせます。
kare wa itsumo joudan wo itte, mawari no hito wo warawasemasu.
He always tells jokes and makes the people around him laugh.
息子は嘘をついて両親を悲しませました。
musuko wa uso wo tsuite ryoushin wo kanashimasemashita.
The son told a lie and made his parents sad.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Particle Errors with Transitive Verbs
❌ 先生は学生を宿題をさせました。
✅ 先生は学生に宿題をさせました。
When using transitive verbs (verbs that take an object with を), the person being made to do the action must be marked with に. This rule prevents the confusion of having two を particles in a single clause.
Mistake 2: Addressing Superiors Directly
❌ 社長にコーヒーを飲ませました。
✅ 社長にコーヒーを飲んでいただきました。
The causative form implies you have control over the other person. Using it toward a boss or teacher sounds arrogant, as if you are forcing them. Instead, use humble forms like ～ていただく.
Mistake 3: Group 1 Conjugation Errors
❌ 行きさせる (ikisasaseru)
✅ 行かせる (ikaseru)
It is a common error to apply the Group 2 "-saseru" ending to Group 1 verbs. Always ensure you change the final vowel to the "a-stem" before adding "-seru."
Cultural Notes
Japanese social dynamics rely heavily on 上下関係 (vertical relationships). Because the causative form inherently involves control, speakers use it cautiously. You will rarely hear an employee use a plain causative verb when discussing their manager's actions.
The phrase ～させていただきます is an essential part of 敬語 (honorific speech). It literally means "I will receive the favor of you letting me do something." It is the standard way to politely announce your own actions, such as during a self-introduction: 自己紹介をさせていただきます (Please allow me to introduce myself).
Related Grammar Points
- べきだ — Should, Ought To | Japanese Grammar N3 (Grammar N3)
- わけにはいかない — Cannot Afford To (Grammar N3)
- Wakeda: That's Why, No Wonder, It Means That (Grammar N3)
- Uchi ni: While / Before It Changes (Grammar N3)
- Nuki de (ぬきで) — Without, Leaving Out (Grammar N3)
- It's Been Decided/Scheduled: ことになっている (Grammar N3)
JLPT Tips
For the N3 exam, focus on distinguishing between "force" and "permission." Look for social cues. If a student says ～させてください to a teacher, it is always a request for permission. Conversely, a parent telling a child to study is usually a command.
Double-check your particles. In the grammar section, you will be tested on を vs に. If there is an object later in the sentence (like "homework" or "lunch"), the person doing the action needs the に particle. If the verb is intransitive, like 歩く (walk) or 来る (come), you will typically use を.