する vs やる: Two Ways to Say “Do” in Japanese
する (suru) and やる (yaru) both mean “to do.” In many sentences you can use either one. But the feeling is different, and there are cases where only one is possible.
Contents
The short answer
| する | やる | |
|---|---|---|
| Feeling | neutral, works everywhere | casual, more active (“get it done”) |
| Polite situations | ⭕ します / いたします | △ やります is OK, but casual |
| Noun + verb (勉強する) | ⭕ | ❌ (勉強をやる is possible, casual) |
| Sounds, smells, prices, feelings | ⭕ 音がする | ❌ |
| Give to plants, pets | ❌ | ⭕ 水をやる |
If you are not sure, use する. It is never wrong in tone. やる is the casual, energetic choice for an action someone decides to do.
When both are OK
With を and an activity, both work.
やる has more “action” in it. 「宿題をやる」 sounds like “I’ll get my homework done.” It is common between friends and in families. With your boss or a customer, する is the safer choice.
Only する
1. する-verbs (noun + する)
勉強する, 旅行する, 結婚する, 電話する … these are one verb. You cannot say ❌ 勉強やる in standard Japanese. (With を, 勉強をやる is possible but casual.)
2. Things you sense, not things you do
When nobody is “doing” the action, only する works.
3. Set patterns
| Pattern | Example |
|---|---|
| 〜にする (decide on) | コーヒーにします。コーヒーに します。I’ll have coffee. |
| price + する (cost) | このかばんは三万円する。この かばんは さんまんえん する。This bag costs 30,000 yen. |
| wear (accessories) | ネクタイをするネクタイを するto wear a tie |
| 〜く / 〜に する (make it …) | 部屋をきれいにするへやを きれいに するto make the room clean |
Only やる
1. Give (to plants, animals, or someone “below” you)
Today many people say あげる for pets, too (犬にえさをあげる). Both are fine. See Step 18 (あげる・くれる・もらう).
2. Common やる phrases
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| やった！ | I did it! / Yay! |
| やる気やるき | motivation (やる気がある / ない) |
| やってみる | to give it a try (してみる is also OK) |
| 店をやっているみせを やって いる | to run a shop |
| 映画をやっているえいがを やって いる | a movie is showing |
Is やる rude?
Not rude, but casual. A few uses of やる are rough, so learners should be careful:
- To a teacher or customer, say 何をなさいますか or 何をしますか, not 何をやりますか.
- About your own job, やります！ is fine. It sounds motivated: “I’ll do it!”
Quick check: 5 questions
Choose the best answer.
