他動詞・自動詞
Done through action vs. occurring on its own
Structure
を落とす・が落ちる
To drop・To fall
をつける・がつく
To attach・To be attached
を見つける・が見つかる
To find・To be found
を下げる・が下がる
To lower・To be lowered
Explanation
Japanese verbs can be sorted into two main categories: transitive verbs, where the subject performs an action on an object, and intransitive verbs, where the subject itself is the one undergoing the action or change. A simple way to think about this is 'other-action' (transitive) versus 'self-action' (intransitive).
In essence, the distinction comes down to the particles they use. Transitive verbs typically take a direct object marked by the particle を, while intransitive verbs use が to indicate the subject that is performing the action by itself.
Many verbs in Japanese come in transitive/intransitive sets, which must be learned as pairs.
- 先生が授業を始めた。The teacher started the class.
- 授業が始まった。The class started.
- ドアがひとりでに開いた。The door opened all by itself.
- ドアを開けてください。Please open the door.
Fun Fact
Japanese grammar terminology classifies all verbs as either an action/movement (動作), or an action/movement that affects something else (作用).
Fun Fact
While not officially classified as such, する and なる can be viewed as a transitive/intransitive-like pair. This is because する suggests an action is taken by choice or under one's control, whereas なる implies a situation has come about on its own or due to external factors.
- 来年、引っ越すことにした。Next year, I'm going to move. (I have decided to move)
- 来年、引っ越すことになる。Next year, I'm going to move. (It has been determined that I will be moving due to external factors)
Examples
虫を集めた・虫が集まった
I gathered bugs. The bugs gathered.
弟が僕のスマホを壊した。
My little brother broke my smartphone.
パソコンが壊れた。
My computer broke.
財布をカバンの中に入れた。
I put my wallet inside the bag.
猫が部屋に入ってきた。
A cat came into the room.
寒いからドアを閉めてください。
It's cold, so please close the door.
値段がかなり上がりましたね。
The price has really gone up, hasn't it?
手を上げて質問に答えてください。
Please raise your hand and answer the question.
時計を直した・時計が直った
I fixed the watch・The watch is fixed.
旅行の日程を決めた・旅行の日程が決まった
We decided the travel schedule • The travel schedule has been decided.
店に着いた時には、もうドアが閉まっていた。
The door was already closed when I arrived at the shop.
道に財布が落ちていた。
There was a wallet lying (dropped) on the street.
昨日、不注意でコップを落としてしまった。
Yesterday, I carelessly dropped a glass.