How to Say ‘Do; make’ in Japanese
します
shi masu
[shee mahs]
💬 Usage Tip: [します] is the polite form of [する], "to do." It’s one of the most common verbs in Japanese.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Many service expressions use [します], making speech sound neat and polite. It’s a workhorse verb—like duct tape for Japanese sentences.
Phrase Breakdown
し
shi
[shee]
do
The stem of する, meaning to do.
マッサージをしながら、しを意識すると形がわかります。
While saying massage-related phrases, noticing shi helps you recognize the form.
ます
masu
[mahs]
polite verb ending
A polite ending used with verbs in formal speech.
しますのますは丁寧な言い方です。
The masu in shimasu makes it polite speech.
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