Understanding the Usage of 〜がする in Japanese
The expression 〜がする is a common grammatical structure in Japanese used to describe perceptions and sensations related to the five senses, as well as intuitive feelings. It is often translated as “to smell,” “to taste,” “to feel,” or “to sound like.” This phrase allows the speaker to express their sensory or emotional experience in a natural way.
Basic Structure of 〜がする
The pattern generally follows this structure:
[Noun] + がする
Here, [Noun] represents something perceived through the senses (such as smell, taste, sound, or feeling). The verb する indicates that the sensation exists.
Situations Where 〜がする is Used
Below are the different contexts where 〜がする is commonly used:
1. Smell (Odor-related Perception)
Used when describing a smell that one perceives.
- 変なにおいがする。 (Henna nioi ga suru.) – “There is a strange smell.”
- 花の香りがする。 (Hana no kaori ga suru.) – “I smell the fragrance of flowers.”
- ガスのにおいがする。 (Gasu no nioi ga suru.) – “It smells like gas.”
2. Taste (Flavor-related Perception)
Used when describing the taste of something.
- 変な味がする。 (Henna aji ga suru.) – “It has a strange taste.”
- この水は鉄の味がする。 (Kono mizu wa tetsu no aji ga suru.) – “This water tastes like iron.”
- 甘い味がする。 (Amai aji ga suru.) – “It tastes sweet.”
3. Sound (Auditory Perception)
Used when describing a sound that one hears.
- ドアの開く音がする。 (Doa no hiraku oto ga suru.) – “I hear the sound of a door opening.”
- 雷の音がする。 (Kaminari no oto ga suru.) – “I hear the sound of thunder.”
- 人の話し声がする。 (Hito no hanashigoe ga suru.) – “I hear people’s voices.”
4. Feeling (Emotional or Intuitive Perception)
Used when describing a feeling, intuition, or an atmosphere.
- 嫌な感じがする。 (Iyana kanji ga suru.) – “I have a bad feeling.”
- 胸騒ぎがする。 (Munasawagi ga suru.) – “I have a premonition (of something bad).”
- ワクワクする感じがする。 (Wakuwaku suru kanji ga suru.) – “I have an exciting feeling.”
5. Physical Sensations (Pain or Bodily Feelings)
Used when describing physical sensations or discomfort.
- 頭が痛い感じがする。 (Atama ga itai kanji ga suru.) – “I feel like I have a headache.”
- 吐き気がする。 (Hakike ga suru.) – “I feel nauseous.”
- 寒気がする。 (Samuke ga suru.) – “I feel chills.”
6. Other Abstract Feelings and Situations
It can be used to describe abstract or indirect experiences.
- あの人は信用できない気がする。 (Ano hito wa shinyou dekinai ki ga suru.) – “I feel like that person is untrustworthy.”
- ここは何か違う感じがする。 (Koko wa nanika chigau kanji ga suru.) – “This place feels different.”
Key Points to Remember
- 〜がする is used to describe sensory experiences, including smell, taste, sound, and physical or emotional feelings.
- It is typically used with nouns related to perception, such as におい (smell), 味 (taste), 音 (sound), 気 (feeling), 感じ (sensation), 痛み (pain), etc.
- It can be used for both literal (real sensory perceptions) and abstract (intuition, atmosphere, emotions) experiences.
- The phrase makes statements subjective, meaning it expresses the speaker’s personal perception rather than an objective fact.
Conclusion
Understanding 〜がする is essential for expressing sensory perceptions naturally in Japanese. Whether you’re describing a delicious meal, a strange smell, an ominous feeling, or an unexpected noise, this structure is an invaluable tool in communication. Mastering its usage will enhance your ability to express experiences vividly and naturally in Japanese.
By practicing various sentence patterns using 〜がする, learners can deepen their understanding and fluency in Japanese conversation. Try using it in your daily observations to get more comfortable with its application!
If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have about nouns.
Happy learning! 😊
📚 Continue Learning Japanese
Vikas Kumar is a multilingual educator, language specialist, and book author, and the founder of My Language Classes, an independent language learning platform dedicated to structured, clarity-driven language education.
With over eight years of professional experience working with languages, Vikas has taught and supported learners across English, Spanish, and Japanese, helping them build strong grammatical foundations, practical usage skills, and long-term accuracy. His work focuses on eliminating confusion in language learning by emphasizing structure, patterns, and real usage over rote memorization.
Vikas has worked as a Japanese language expert with multiple multinational organizations, supporting cross-border communication, translation, and language-driven operations in professional environments. Alongside his corporate experience, he has spent several years teaching Japanese and Spanish independently, designing lessons tailored to academic goals, professional needs, and exam preparation.
As an author, Vikas writes structured language learning books that focus on grammar mastery, clarity of usage, and exam-oriented accuracy. His published works include guides on English tenses, verb types, and prepositions, as well as Spanish learning resources aligned with DELE A1 preparation. His books are designed for self-learners, educators, and serious students who want depth, not shortcuts.
Through My Language Classes, he publishes comprehensive learning resources covering grammar, vocabulary, and language learning strategy across English, Spanish, and Japanese. The platform is built for learners at different stages, with a strong emphasis on logical progression, clear explanations, and practical application.
Vikas also closely follows developments in AI and its impact on language learning, with a focus on how emerging tools can support education without replacing foundational understanding. His work consistently advocates for structure-first learning in an increasingly automated world.
Readers can explore Vikas’s language learning books and structured programs through My Language Classes, including resources for English grammar mastery, Spanish DELE A1 preparation, and multilingual language education. Online classes and guided learning options are also available for learners seeking focused instruction.
Leave a Reply