Learn what are transitive and intransitive verbs are in Japanese. Understand their differences and master Japanese grammar effectively.
Knowing verb classifications is an imperative skill for learning the Japanese language effectively, and one of the concepts that usually puzzles most new learners is learning the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs. And if you have ever wondered what transitive and intransitive verbs mean in relation to the Japanese language, then this article is for you.
Understanding the Basics
In Japanese, verbs are divided according to whether they need to have a direct object or not.
Transitive verbs (他動詞 – tadōshi) refer to actions that need to have direct objects.
Intransitive verbs (自动词 – jidōshi) refer to actions that happen without influencing another object directly.
What Are Transitive Verbs?
Transitive verbs refer to actions done on “something” or “someone.” In Japanese grammar, these verbs always require the use of を (wo), which is a marker for direct objects.
Examples:
開ける (akeru)—to open (something)
閉める (shimeru)—to close 壊す (kowasu)—to break
Sentence example :ドアを開ける (doa wo akeru) – “I open the door.”
What Are Intransitive Verbs?
Intransitive verbs refer to actions or states that occur on their own, without an object. These verbs can use the particle が (ga) rather than を.
Examples
開く (aku)—to open (by itself)
閉まる (shimaru)—to close (by itself)
壊れる (kowareru) – to break (by itself)
Sentence example: ドアが開く (doa ga aku)—“The door opens”
Key Differences and Patterns
Particle Usage
The biggest difference is the use of the particle: transitive verbs use the particle を, and intransitive verbs use the particle が.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
For example, for learners at LinguaNest, the similarity of pairs of verbs leads to confusion. It should be noted that for transitive verbs, the action needs to be done deliberately, while for intransitive verbs, the process takes place naturally.
For example, 始める (hajimeru) is a transitive verb because it is followed by the word “something,” as in “to begin something” or “to start something,” while 始まる (hajimaru) is an intransitive verb because it
Why This Matters for Japanese Learners
“Mastering transitive and intransitive verbs is essential for developing grammatically correct sentence construction, Comprehension of natural Japanese conversation, giving correct expression to causation and responsibility, moving on to intermediate and advanced levels
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