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Are you puzzled by the expressions “ki ga suru,” “ki ni suru,” and “ki ni naru” in Japanese? You’re not alone. Many learners find these phrases similar-sounding yet confusing. But fear not! In this article, we’ll demystify their meanings and guide you on how to tell them apart.
Watch the Particles: The Magician’s Hands
Just like in a magic show where you focus on the magician’s hands, in Japanese, you keep your eye on the particles. They often hold the key to understanding what’s happening in a sentence.
In all cases, the particle-marked noun is “ki” – representing one’s spirit, thoughts, or feelings.
“Ki ga suru”: Taking the Initiative
“気がする” uses the active “ga” particle. It implies that your spirit is doing something actively. It may be having a feeling, a hunch, or even wanting to do something. Your spirit takes the initiative here. It’s your feelings and impetus at play.
“Ki ni naru”: Something Happening to Your Spirit
In “気になる,” “ki” is marked by the passive “ni” particle and uses the passive form “naru” instead of the active “suru.” Here, something is happening to your spirit. It could be causing you worry, arousing curiosity, or triggering desire. However, it’s all more passive compared to “ki ga suru.”
“Ki ni suru”: Something Preying on Your Mind
With “気にする,” we’re back to the active form using “suru” as the verb, but the marker is the passive “ni” particle. This indicates that something is being done to your spirit. It’s almost the reverse of “ki ga suru.” The tone here is often more negative. Something is worrying you, literally preying on your mind.
“Ki ni suru” is often used negatively, as in “ki ni shinaide” (don’t worry) or “ki ni shinai” (I don’t care/it doesn’t bother me).
While these expressions may overlap to some extent, they each have distinct nuances. “Ki ga suru” and “ki ni suru” have the widest gap in meaning and barely overlap, whereas “ki ni naru” falls in between and can lean closer to one or the other depending on the context.
Remember, it’s not about mindlessly memorizing these phrases. They have specific meanings based on their construction. Once you grasp their essence, you’ll be much more likely to remember and use them correctly.
Japanese does make sense!
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