This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Japanese
Vocabulary
〜にします

B1 noun #1,500 most common 9 min read

〜にします

Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 〜にします in 30 Seconds

Explanation 〜にします in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'ni shimasu' is taught as a set phrase for ordering food or drinks. Beginners learn that when a waiter asks what they want, they can point to a menu item and say '[Item] ni shimasu'. It is one of the most practical phrases for a tourist in Japan. The focus is not on the grammar of the particle 'ni' or the verb 'shimasu', but rather on the functional use of the phrase to communicate a simple desire or choice in a polite way. It is often introduced alongside 'o kudasai' (please give me), but 'ni shimasu' is explained as 'I will have' or 'I'll go with this'. At this stage, students are encouraged to use it for basic nouns like 'mizu' (water), 'ko-hi-' (coffee), or 'ringo' (apple). The goal is to provide a tool for immediate survival communication in a restaurant or shop setting. There is no need to worry about complex tenses or humble forms yet; just the basic present polite form is sufficient for A1 learners to navigate basic social interactions involving choices.

At the A2 level, learners begin to see 'ni shimasu' as a more versatile tool for making choices beyond just food. They learn to use it when choosing colors, sizes, or simple daily plans. For example, 'Aoi shatsu ni shimasu' (I'll go with the blue shirt). The distinction between 'ni shimasu' (choice) and 'o shimasu' (action) is introduced here. Students start to understand that 'ni' marks the result of a decision. They also learn the past tense 'ni shimashita' to describe a decision they already made. A2 learners are expected to use this phrase in role-plays involving shopping or making simple appointments with friends, such as 'Ashita no gogo ni shimashita' (I decided on tomorrow afternoon). The concept of 'deciding on something' becomes more abstract than just pointing at a physical object. They also start to recognize the casual version 'ni suru' in listening exercises, though they are usually encouraged to stick to the polite 'ni shimasu' in their own production.

At the B1 level, students should have a firm grasp of 'ni shimasu' and begin to use it in more complex organizational and professional contexts. This is the level where the distinction between 'ni shimasu' (personal decision) and 'ni narimasu' (external decision or natural change) becomes critical. B1 learners use 'ni shimasu' to finalize plans in a group, set deadlines, or choose strategies. They also learn the structure 'koto ni shimasu' to express a decision to perform an action (nominalizing a verb). This allows them to say things like 'Mainichi benkyou suru koto ni shimashita' (I've decided to study every day). The nuance of taking responsibility for a choice is emphasized. At this level, learners are also introduced to the humble version 'ni itashimasu' for use in business settings, showing respect to clients or superiors. They should be able to explain *why* they made a certain choice using 'ni shimasu' as the concluding part of their explanation.

At the B2 level, 'ni shimasu' is used with high frequency and precision in professional and academic environments. Learners understand the subtle nuances of using this phrase to sound decisive yet polite. They can use it to summarize a long discussion: 'Kekkyoku, kono houkou ni shimasu' (In the end, we will go in this direction). B2 learners are also aware of the 'volitional + ni suru' (ni shiyou) for making suggestions or personal resolutions. They can contrast 'ni shimasu' with more formal synonyms like 'ni kettei suru' or 'ni sadameru' depending on the register required. The focus shifts to using the phrase to manage social dynamics—for example, using 'ni itashimasu' to confirm a service to a customer. They also understand the use of 'ni shimasu' in idiomatic expressions or more abstract contexts, such as 'shiawase ni shimasu' (I will make you happy), where 'shimasu' acts on an adjective-turned-noun to indicate a transformation caused by the speaker's will.

At the C1 level, the learner uses 'ni shimasu' and its variations with native-like fluency, often employing it to navigate complex social hierarchies and subtle interpersonal negotiations. They understand how to use the phrase to subtly exert influence or to defer to others' choices while still expressing their own preference. C1 learners can use 'ni shimasu' in sophisticated rhetorical structures, perhaps contrasting a past decision with a current one to show evolution in thought. They are fully comfortable with all levels of politeness, from the very casual 'ni su' (contracted) to the highly formal 'ni itashitaku zonjima-su'. They also recognize literary or archaic uses of 'ni suru' in classical texts or formal speeches. The mastery at this level involves knowing exactly when *not* to use 'ni shimasu' to avoid sounding too direct or when to use it to provide much-needed clarity in a vague discussion. They can also use it to describe complex transformations in state that they have intentionally brought about.

At the C2 level, 'ni shimasu' is a tool for philosophical and nuanced expression. The speaker can use the concept of 'deciding' (ni suru) to discuss agency, free will, and the construction of reality in Japanese. They can manipulate the grammar to create specific poetic or dramatic effects, such as using 'ni suru' with abstract concepts that normally wouldn't take it, to imply a god-like level of control or a deep personal commitment. C2 learners have a complete historical understanding of how the 'ni' particle and the verb 'suru' evolved to form this specific decision-making structure. They can effortlessly switch between various registers and regional dialects that might use different structures for the same concept. Their use of 'ni shimasu' is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, used with perfect timing and cultural sensitivity in everything from high-stakes legal negotiations to intimate personal reflections.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

〜にします in 30 Seconds

Used for making choices and decisions.
Commonly used when ordering food or shopping.
Follows the pattern [Noun] + に + します.
Shows the speaker's active will and agency.

The Japanese expression 〜にします (ni shimasu) is a fundamental grammar structure used to express a decision or a choice made by the speaker. While the verb suru (to do) usually implies performing an action, when paired with the particle ni, it shifts its meaning toward the act of selection or determination. This is most famously encountered in restaurants when ordering food, but its utility extends far beyond the dining table into every facet of daily life where a choice among alternatives is required.

Core Concept: The speaker selects one option from a set of possibilities, effectively saying 'I have decided on this' or 'I will go with this.'

私はコーヒーにします。 (I'll have coffee / I've decided on coffee.)

To understand the depth of this phrase, one must look at the particle ni. In Japanese, ni often indicates a target or a result. When you say ni shimasu, you are literally 'doing' toward a specific result or target—that target being your choice. It implies a conscious effort to pick one thing over another. This distinguishes it from ni naru, which suggests a change that happens naturally or is decided by outside forces. Using ni shimasu places the agency firmly in the hands of the speaker.

Grammatical Function: Noun + に + します. The noun represents the choice made.

次の会議は来週の月曜日にします。 (I'll set the next meeting for next Monday.)

In a social context, ni shimasu is polite and standard. It is the 'teineigo' (polite) form of ni suru. Using it shows that you are making a clear, definitive decision without being overly aggressive. It is the go-to phrase for business meetings when finalizing a plan or for casual outings with friends when deciding which movie to watch. The nuance is one of 'settling' on an option after consideration.

プレゼントはこの赤いネクタイにします。 (I'll go with this red tie for the present.)

Decision Range: It covers everything from immediate physical choices (food) to abstract future plans (dates, roles, strategies).

旅行の目的地は北海道にします。 (I'll decide on Hokkaido as the travel destination.)

晩ご飯はカレーにします。 (I'll have curry for dinner.)

Using 〜にします is grammatically straightforward but requires an understanding of the relationship between the noun and the verb. The structure is always [Noun] + に + します. The noun represents the final choice. It is important to note that this structure is used for nouns. If you want to use a verb (e.g., 'I decided to go'), you must nominalize the verb using koto, resulting in koto ni shimasu.

Step-by-Step Construction: 1. Identify the options. 2. Select the preferred option. 3. Place the noun before 'ni shimasu'.

A: 何を飲みますか？ B: お茶にします。 (A: What will you drink? B: I'll have tea.)

The tense of the verb can also change. While ni shimasu is used for a decision being made now or a future intention, ni shimashita is used for a decision that has already been finalized. In professional settings, you might use the humble form ni itashimasu to show respect to the person you are speaking to, especially if your decision affects them or if you are providing a service.

Tense and Politeness: Present/Future: にします. Past: にしました. Humble: にいたします.

お支払いはクレジットカードにします。 (I'll pay by credit card.)

Consider the difference between ni shimasu and o shimasu. If you say Tenisu o shimasu, you are saying 'I play tennis.' If you say Tenisu ni shimasu, you are saying 'I'll choose tennis' (perhaps when deciding which sport to play in a PE class). The particle ni transforms the verb from 'performing an action' to 'selecting a path'. This is a critical distinction for B1 learners to master.

メインディッシュはステーキにします。 (I'll have the steak for the main dish.)

Common Contexts: Restaurants, Shopping, Scheduling, Planning, Group Discussions.

明日の集合時間は8時にします。 (I'll set tomorrow's meeting time for 8 o'clock.)

色は青にします。 (I'll go with blue for the color.)

The phrase 〜にします is ubiquitous in Japanese society. You will hear it most frequently in the service industry. When a waiter approaches a table, they are waiting for the customer to use this phrase. In a retail environment, when a customer is deciding between two shirts, the final decision is announced with kore ni shimasu (I'll take this one). It is the sound of a decision being finalized.

Scenario: The Restaurant: The waiter asks 'ご注文はお決まりですか？' (Have you decided on your order?) and the customer responds with 'ハンバーグにします' (I'll have the hamburger steak).

デザートはアイスクリームにします。 (I'll have ice cream for dessert.)

In the workplace, ni shimasu is used during the planning stages of projects. When a manager decides on a deadline, or when a team decides on a software tool to use, this grammar point is the vehicle for that decision. It conveys a sense of responsibility; the person saying it is taking ownership of the choice. In meetings, you might hear '今回はこの案にします' (We will go with this proposal this time).

Scenario: Business Planning: A team lead says, '広告の予算は50万円にします' (I'll set the advertising budget at 500,000 yen).

出張の日は15日にします。 (I'll set the business trip date for the 15th.)

Furthermore, in family settings, parents might use it to set rules or make household decisions. '今日の晩ご飯は外食にします' (We'll eat out for dinner today). It's a versatile phrase that bridges the gap between formal decision-making and casual daily choices. Even in self-talk, when you finally decide which pair of shoes to buy after browsing for an hour, you might mutter to yourself, 'よし、これにしよう' (Okay, I'll go with this one—using the volitional form of suru).

お土産は和菓子にします。 (I'll choose Japanese sweets for the souvenir.)

Scenario: Shopping: Choosing a gift: 'この花束にします' (I'll take this bouquet).

次の休みは家でゆっくりすることにします。 (I'll decide to relax at home during the next holiday.)

部屋のカーテンは白にします。 (I'll go with white for the room's curtains.)

One of the most frequent errors for learners is confusing 〜にします with 〜になります. While both involve the particle ni, the verb shimasu (to do) implies active choice by the speaker, whereas narimasu (to become) implies a result that happens automatically or is decided by someone else. For example, if you say 'Coffee ni narimasu' when ordering, it sounds like the coffee is spontaneously becoming itself, or you are describing a transformation rather than making a choice.

Mistake 1: Ni Shimasu vs. Ni Narimasu: Incorrect: 私はお茶になります (I become tea). Correct: 私はお茶にします (I'll have tea).

× 昼ご飯はパンになります。 (Natural change/External decision)
○ 昼ご飯はパンにします。 (My choice)

Another common mistake is using the object particle o instead of ni. If you say 'Ko-hi- o shimasu', you are literally saying 'I do coffee', which makes no sense in Japanese unless you are a barista performing some specific coffee-related action. The ni particle is essential because it marks the destination of your decision-making process. Without ni, the relationship between the noun and the verb changes entirely.

Mistake 2: Using 'o' instead of 'ni': Incorrect: これをします (I do this). Correct: これにします (I'll choose this).

× 私は赤をします。 (I do red - incorrect)
○ 私は赤にします。 (I'll go with red.)

Learners also struggle with using ni shimasu for things they cannot control. You cannot use ni shimasu for the weather or for someone else's actions unless you are the one deciding them. For instance, you can't say 'Ashita wa hare ni shimasu' (I'll decide on sunny weather tomorrow) because you don't control the weather. In that case, you must use ni naru or deshou.

× 明日は雨にします。 (I'll make it rain - impossible)
○ 明日は雨になるでしょう。 (It will probably rain.)

Mistake 3: Over-politeness: Using 'ni itashimasu' with friends can sound cold or sarcastic. Stick to 'ni shimasu' or 'ni suru'.

× (To a friend) これにいたします。 (Too formal)
○ (To a friend) これにするね。 (Natural)

会議室は3階にします。 (I'll decide on the 3rd floor for the meeting room.)

While 〜にします is the most common way to express a choice, there are several other expressions that share similar meanings but carry different nuances. Understanding these differences is key to reaching B1 and B2 proficiency. The most direct synonym is ni kimeru (to decide on). However, ni kimeru sounds more weighty and final, as if a long deliberation has ended, whereas ni shimasu is lighter and more immediate.

Comparison: Ni Shimasu vs. Ni Kimeru: Ni shimasu: Everyday choices (ordering food). Ni kimeru: Significant life decisions (choosing a university).

大学は東京大学に決めました。 (I decided on Tokyo University - sounds more serious.)

Another related phrase is o erabu (to choose). This focuses on the act of selecting from a group. While ni shimasu focuses on the final result of the decision, o erabu highlights the process of selection. You might say 'I chose this one' (kore o erabimashita) when explaining your reasoning, but you would say 'I'll take this one' (kore ni shimasu) when actually making the purchase.

Comparison: Ni Shimasu vs. O Erabu: Ni shimasu: Focus on the result/intent. O erabu: Focus on the action of selecting.

一番いいものを選びました。 (I chose the best one.)

We must also mention koto ni suru. This is used when the choice involves an action (a verb). For example, 'I decided to study' is benkyou suru koto ni shimasu. This is the clausal version of ni shimasu. It follows the same logic: you are 'doing' toward a specific 'thing' (the act of studying). Mastering the transition from noun-based decisions to verb-based decisions is a major milestone in Japanese learning.

毎日走ることにしました。 (I decided to run every day.)

Comparison: Ni Shimasu vs. Koto ni Shimasu: Ni shimasu: Noun choice. Koto ni shimasu: Action choice.

飲み物はビールにします。 (I'll have beer for the drink.)

結婚式は6月にします。 (We'll have the wedding in June.)

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

〜になる

〜ことにする

〜ことにしている

〜を〜にする

〜にする（adjective + suru）

Examples by Level

お茶にします。

I'll have tea.

Basic noun + ni shimasu.

これにします。

I'll take this one.

Using a demonstrative pronoun.

私は水にします。

I'll have water.

Topic marker 'watashi wa' used.

リンゴにします。

I'll have an apple.

Simple fruit noun.

昼ご飯はカレーにします。

I'll have curry for lunch.

Specifying the meal with 'wa'.

ペンはこれにします。

I'll go with this pen.

Topic 'pen wa' followed by choice.

コーヒーにしますか？

Will you have coffee?

Question form with 'ka'.

赤にします。

I'll go with red.

Color noun.

大きいサイズにします。

I'll go with the large size.

Noun phrase with adjective.

明日の午後にします。

I'll decide on tomorrow afternoon.

Time noun.

プレゼントは花にします。

I'll decide on flowers for the present.

Purpose 'wa' + choice.

誕生日は土曜日にします。

I'll set the birthday (party) for Saturday.

Day of the week.

靴はこれにしました。

I decided on these shoes.

Past tense 'shimashita'.

飲み物はコーラにします。

I'll have cola for the drink.

Categorizing the choice.

旅行は京都にします。

I'll decide on Kyoto for the trip.

Location noun.

会議は3時にします。

I'll set the meeting for 3 o'clock.

Specific time.

次の会議は来週の月曜日にします。

I'll set the next meeting for next Monday.

Professional scheduling.

お支払いはカードにします。

I'll pay by card.

Method of payment.

毎日30分走ることにします。

I've decided to run for 30 minutes every day.

Verb nominalization with 'koto'.

今回はこのプランにします。

We'll go with this plan this time.

Choosing between options.

部屋の壁は白にします。

I'll go with white for the room walls.

Design choice.

お土産は和菓子にしました。

I decided on Japanese sweets for the souvenir.

Past decision.

連絡はメールにします。

I'll communicate via email.

Communication method.

目的地は北海道にします。

I'll decide on Hokkaido as the destination.

Travel planning.

ご注文はハンバーグにいたしますか？

Would you like to have the hamburger steak? (Polite)

Humble/Polite 'itashimasu'.

新商品の名前は「サクラ」にします。

I'll decide on 'Sakura' for the new product name.

Naming a product.

予算は100万円にすることにしました。

I've decided to set the budget at 1 million yen.

Double decision structure.

担当者は佐藤さんにします。

I'll appoint Mr. Sato as the person in charge.

Assigning roles.

明日のイベントは中止にします。

I'll decide to cancel tomorrow's event.

Decision to cancel.

結婚式は海外ですることにしました。

We've decided to have the wedding abroad.

Complex verb phrase + koto ni shimashita.

報告書は簡潔な表現にします。

I'll use concise expressions for the report.

Style choice.

夕食は外食にしましょう。

Let's decide to eat out for dinner.

Volitional 'shimashou'.

今回のプロジェクトのリーダーは、君にすることにしたよ。

I've decided to make you the leader of this project.

Direct assignment of responsibility.

リスクを考慮して、この投資は控えることにします。

Considering the risks, I will decide to refrain from this investment.

Professional/Strategic decision.

今後の運営方針は、顧客満足度を最優先にします。

Our future management policy will prioritize customer satisfaction.

Abstract policy decision.

デザインの基調は、ミニマリズムにします。

The keynote of the design will be minimalism.

Artistic direction.

議論の結果、この提案を採用することにいたしました。

As a result of the discussion, we have decided to adopt this proposal.

Formal adoption of a plan.

彼は自分の人生を音楽に捧げることにした。

He decided to dedicate his life to music.

Life-altering decision.

この件に関しては、後日改めて検討することにします。

Regarding this matter, I will decide to re-examine it at a later date.

Formal deferment.

照明は少し暗めにして、落ち着いた雰囲気にします。

I'll keep the lighting a bit dim to create a calm atmosphere.

Atmospheric choice.

不確実な未来に賭けるより、現状を維持することにします。

Rather than betting on an uncertain future, I will decide to maintain the status quo.

Philosophical choice.

組織の透明性を高めるため、全ての情報を公開することにいたしました。

In order to increase organizational transparency, we have decided to make all information public.

High-level corporate ethics.

彼は沈黙を守ることにした。それが最善の策だと信じて。

He decided to maintain silence, believing it to be the best course of action.

Literary narrative decision.

法的な観点から、この契約は無効にすることにします。

From a legal standpoint, I will decide to render this contract void.

Legal determination.

社会全体の利益を考え、この技術はオープンソースにします。

Considering the benefit of society as a whole, I will make this technology open source.

Altruistic decision.

我々は、過去の過ちを繰り返さないことにした。

We have decided not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

Collective moral decision.

人生の最期は、生まれ故郷で過ごすことにしたよ。

I've decided to spend the end of my life in my hometown.

Poignant personal choice.

この物語の結末は、読者の想像に任せることにします。

I will decide to leave the ending of this story to the reader's imagination.

Creative/Meta decision.

Common Collocations

これにします

お茶にします

青にします

3時にします

カードにします

月曜日にします

ステーキにします

プレゼントにします

中止にします

外食にします

Common Phrases

何にしますか？

これにしましょう

お茶にしませんか？

どちらにしますか？

私はこれにします

そうしましょう

別にします

一緒にします

内緒にします

大切にします

Often Confused With

〜にします vs 〜になる (to become)

〜にします vs 〜をする (to do an action)

〜にします vs 〜をえらぶ (to choose)

Idioms & Expressions

"内緒にする"

"大切にする"

"台無しにする"

"形にする"

"力にする"

"糧にする"

"無駄にする"

"参考にする"

"武器にする"

"目当てにする"

Easily Confused

〜にします vs になる

〜にします vs をする

〜にします vs にきめる

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

plans

Used to finalize dates and times.

ordering

The most natural way to order in Japan.

Common Mistakes

Tips

The Particle Rule

Always remember Noun + に + します. Never use 'o' for decisions.

Ordering Like a Pro

When ordering, you can just say '[Food] ni shimasu'. It's simple and natural.

Social Harmony

Using this phrase shows you are taking responsibility for your choice, which is valued.

Action Decisions

To decide on an action, use [Verb] + koto ni shimasu.

Wait for the 'Ni'

In a restaurant, listen for the 'ni' to know the customer has finished choosing.

Color Choices

Use it when shopping for clothes: 'Kono aka ni shimasu'.

Formal Situations

Use 'ni itashimasu' when speaking to a client to sound more professional.

Past vs. Present

Use 'ni shimashita' for decisions already made, 'ni shimasu' for now.

Don't Become Tea

Avoid 'o-cha ni narimasu' unless you are literally transforming into tea!

Daily Choices

Try to say 'ni shimasu' in your head every time you pick something today.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Combination of the particle 'ni' (indicating a goal or result) and the verb 'suru' (to do/act).

Cultural Context

Standard polite (teineigo).

Used by customers, decision-makers, and planners.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"飲み物は何にしますか？ (What will you have to drink?)"

"昼ご飯はどこにしますか？ (Where shall we go for lunch?)"

"次の休みはどこにしますか？ (Where will you go for your next holiday?)"

"誕生日のプレゼントは何にしますか？ (What will you choose for the birthday present?)"

"会議の時間は何時にしますか？ (What time shall we set the meeting for?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、何を食べましたか？「〜にしました」を使って書いてください。

将来、どんな仕事をしたいですか？「〜にすることにしました」を使って書いてください。

最近買ったものは何ですか？なぜ「これにしました」か？

週末の予定を「〜にします」を使って書いてください。

新しく始めたい習慣は何ですか？「〜することにします」を使ってください。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you must add 'koto' after the dictionary form of the verb to make it a noun phrase. For example, 'taberu koto ni shimasu'.

Yes, 'ni shimasu' is standard polite. However, if you want to be extra respectful, 'ni itashimasu' is better.

'Ni shimasu' means 'I'll have/decide on', while 'o kudasai' means 'Please give me'. Both are used for ordering.

Only if you are a weather god! You can't use it for things outside your control.

Yes, 'ni suru' is the casual version and is perfectly fine for friends and family.

'Ni' indicates the result or target of the decision, whereas 'o' would mean you are doing the noun itself.

Use the past tense: 'ni shimashita'.

Yes, 'Ao ni shimasu' (I'll go with blue) is very common.

It's the casual volitional form, meaning 'Let's go with...' or 'I think I'll go with...'

Yes, it's very common for confirming dates, times, and plans.