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How to Say ‘Do (polite)’ in Japanese

します

shi masu

[shee mahss]

💬 Usage Tip: [します] is the polite “do.” Many feelings become verbs with it: [安心します], [緊張します], [びっくりします].

🇯🇵 In Japan: Using [〜します] is a polite, safe default in clubs—especially when talking to older members or in semi-formal introductions.

Phrase Breakdown

shi

[shee]

do (polite) (part of します)

し is the stem of する (“to do”). With a noun like 安心, it forms a verb: 安心する = “feel relieved.”

Example

一人じゃないって思うと安心します。

When I think I’m not alone, I feel relieved.

ます

masu

[mahss]

polite present/future ending (part of します)

ます makes the verb polite. します is polite and appropriate in club introductions and first conversations.

Example

みんなが優しいので安心します。

Everyone is kind, so I feel at ease.

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