Processing keyword: ～どう しますか。 (～dou shimasu ka.)
Japanese Grammar Point: ～どう しますか。 (～dou shimasu ka.)
1. Introduction
In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ～どうしますか (～dou shimasu ka.), which is used to ask someone what they will do or how they will handle a certain situation. This expression is commonly used in everyday conversations to inquire about plans, decisions, or actions regarding a specific topic.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
～どうしますか translates to:
- "What will you do about ～?"
- "How will you handle ～?"
- "What should we do about ～?" It is used to ask someone about their intentions or plans concerning a particular matter.
Structure
The structure of this grammar point is:
[Topic/Situation] + は + どうしますか。
- [Topic/Situation]: The subject or matter in question.
- は: Topic marker particle.
- どうしますか: "What will you do?" or "How will you do (it)?"
Formation Diagram
| Component | Japanese | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Topic/Situation | [Noun/Pronoun] | Subject of inquiry |
| Topic Marker | は | Indicates the topic |
| Question Phrase | どうしますか | Asks about actions or plans |
3. Comparative Analysis
Similar Grammar Points
- ～どうしましょうか
- Meaning: "What shall we do about ～?"
- Usage: Suggesting or deciding on a plan together.
- Example: 映画はどうしましょうか。
Eiga wa dou shimashou ka.
"What shall we do about the movie?"
- ～どうしたいですか
- Meaning: "What do you want to do about ～?"
- Usage: Asking about someone's desires or preferences.
- Example: 週末はどうしたいですか。
Shuumatsu wa dou shitai desu ka.
"What do you want to do on the weekend?"
Differences
- どうしますか focuses on plans or decisions that might already be in consideration.
- どうしましょうか is more collaborative, often used when making decisions together.
- どうしたいですか inquires about someone's personal desires.
4. Examples in Context
Example 1: Daily Plans
Situation: Deciding on dinner plans.
- Japanese: 晩ごはんはどうしますか。
- Romaji: Bangohan wa dou shimasu ka.
- English: "What will you do about dinner?"
Example 2: Handling a Problem
Situation: Discussing a broken appliance.
- Japanese: 壊れたテレビはどうしますか。
- Romaji: Kowareta terebi wa dou shimasu ka.
- English: "What will you do about the broken TV?"
Example 3: Future Intentions
Situation: Asking about post-graduation plans.
- Japanese: 卒業後はどうしますか。
- Romaji: Sotsugyou go wa dou shimasu ka.
- English: "What will you do after graduation?"
Example 4: Travel Arrangements
Situation: Planning transportation.
- Japanese: 明日の交通手段はどうしますか。
- Romaji: Ashita no koutsuu shudan wa dou shimasu ka.
- English: "What will you do about transportation tomorrow?"
Formal and Informal Variations
- Formal: 今後の予定はどうしますか。
Kongo no yotei wa dou shimasu ka.
"What will you do about future plans?" - Informal: これからどうする？
Kore kara dou suru?
"What are you going to do now?"
5. Cultural Notes
Politeness Levels
- どうしますか is polite and suitable for most situations.
- Dropping ます to say どうする makes it casual; use it with friends or peers.
Decision-Making in Japan
- In Japanese culture, consulting others and considering group harmony is important.
- Using どうしますか shows respect by asking for someone's input or decision.
Idiomatic Expressions
- どうにかします: "I'll manage somehow."
- どうしたらいいですか: "What should I do?"
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistake 1: Incorrect Particle Usage
- Incorrect: 予定がどうしますか。
- Correct: 予定はどうしますか。 Tip: Use the topic marker は after the subject when using どうしますか.
Common Mistake 2: Misunderstanding the Context
- Confusing どうしますか with simply "How are you?"
- Remember, どうしますか asks about actions regarding a specific topic, not someone's well-being.
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device: Think of どう (how) + しますか (do) = "How will (you) do (about it)?"
- Practice by substituting different topics into the structure to become familiar.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ～どうしますか is used to inquire about someone's plans or decisions regarding a specific topic.
- Structure: [Topic/Situation] は どうしますか。
- Politeness level can be adjusted by using ます (polite) or dropping it for casual speech.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Fill in the blank: パーティーの準備___どうしますか。
- Translate to English: 試験についてどうしますか。
- True or False: どうしますか can be used to ask about someone's health.
Answers:
- は
- "What will you do about the exam?"
- False (It asks about actions or decisions, not health.)
By understanding and practicing ～どうしますか, you'll enhance your ability to engage in planning and decision-making conversations in Japanese.