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The causative forms せる and させる are used to indicate that someone makes (compels, forces) or allows (permits, enables) another person (or entity) to perform an action. These forms are essential for expressing authority, permission, or influence in Japanese, often reflecting the hierarchical nature of relationships.
The person causing the action typically holds a position of control, responsibility, or authority over the person performing it, such as a parent over a child, a teacher over a student, or a manager over an employee. However, causative forms can also convey granting freedom or encouraging autonomy, depending on tone and context, making them versatile for both formal and informal situations.
・せる is the causative form of Group 2 (る-verbs) and irregular verbs like する (to do).
・させる is the causative form of Group 1 (う-verbs).
Causative verbs often require marking the person being made or allowed to act with を (when the causation is direct) or に (when causation involves permission).
Structure
［る¹］Verb ￫ 見る + させる
［る⁵］Verb ￫ 座る + らせる
［う］Verb ￫ 歌う + わせる
［く］Verb ￫ 歩く + かせる
［す］Verb ￫ 話す + させる
［つ］Verb ￫ 打つ + たせる
［ぬ］Verb ￫ 死ぬ + なせる
［ぶ］Verb ￫ 飛ぶ + ばせる
［む］Verb ￫ 休む + ませる
［ぐ］Verb ￫ 泳ぐ + がせる
Exceptions:
する → させる
くる → こさせる
やる → やらせる
JLPT Level
N4
Key uses
1. Making someone do something (coercion)
せる・させる is primarily used to express that someone is made to perform an action, often implying coercion or imposition. It attaches to the dictionary form of a verb to form the causative.
[ Additional Insight ]
This form is particularly common in parent-child or teacher-student contexts where authority is used to compel actions. It emphasizes the control or power one person has over another, making it suitable for structured or hierarchical relationships.
2. Allowing someone to do something (permission)
The causative can also mean allowing someone to do something, depending on the tone and context, making it a versatile tool for nuanced communication.
[ Additional Insight ]
This usage softens the causative nuance and shows leniency or generosity. It shifts the focus from coercion to permission, making it effective in casual, cooperative situations or when highlighting goodwill.
3. Expressing responsibility or consequences
せる・させる can be used to highlight someone’s role in causing a particular situation, often with a sense of blame or accountability.
[ Additional Insight ]
This form allows the speaker to assign responsibility clearly and is often used in formal or reflective contexts. It can also convey a sense of regret or frustration depending on the verb and situation.
4. Polite and indirect requests
In formal speech, the causative form is used to create polite and indirect requests, softening the tone and showing respect to the listener.
[ Additional Insight ]
This usage is especially important in business or hierarchical environments where politeness is crucial. By framing a request as a need for permission, it adds a layer of humility and consideration.
Examples
013A
013B
013C
013D
013E
013F
013G
013H