If you’ve been learning Japanese, you’ve probably noticed that many common verbs use する.
Words like 勉強べんきょうする (to study), 運動うんどうする (to exercise), and 電話でんわする (to make a phone call) are all “する verbs.”

But sometimes you’ll also see them with を, like 勉強べんきょうをする or 運動うんどうをする.
So… what’s the difference? And when should you use 〜する vs 〜をする?

Let’s break it down.

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1. The Basic Rule

• 〜する: Most natural and most common.
• 〜をする: Also correct, but feels a little more formal, explanatory, or old-fashioned.

For example:

• 勉強べんきょうする = to study
• 勉強べんきょうをする = to do study (sounds slightly more deliberate or formal)

Both are grammatically fine, but in everyday conversation, Japanese people usually prefer the shorter 〜する form.

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2. When “をする” is More Common

There are some cases where 〜をする is used more naturally than just 〜する:

1. With physical or tangible objects
   • ネクタイをする = to wear a tie
   • 指輪ゆびわをする = to wear a ring
     Here, “をする” describes putting on/using the object. You cannot say ネクタイする.
2. To add emphasis
   • 勉強べんきょうをしないと合格ごうかくできません。
     (“If you don’t do studying, you can’t pass.”)
     Adding を can sound a little stronger or more serious.

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3. Interchangeable Cases

For many abstract nouns, both are fine:

• 運動うんどうする / 運動うんどうをする = to exercise
• 質問しつもんする / 質問しつもんをする = to ask a question
• 会話かいわする / 会話かいわをする = to have a conversation

You can use either one. 〜する is shorter and more natural in casual speech, while 〜をする sometimes appears in writing or polite conversation.

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4. A Nuance to Remember

Think of it this way:

• 〜する = the default verb form
• 〜をする = adds a sense of “doing (the noun) as an action”

So, if you want to sound more conversational: stick with 〜する.
If you want to sound more formal, explanatory, or polite: 〜をする works.

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Quick Practice

Try rewriting these with both versions:

1. to study → _______
2. to drive → _______
3. to cook → _______

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Conclusion

Japanese する verbs are super flexible, and both 〜する and 〜をする are correct.
The difference is mostly about style and nuance:

• Use 〜する for everyday, natural Japanese.
• Use 〜をする when emphasizing, sounding formal, or talking about physical objects like clothes and accessories.

Mastering this small difference will make your Japanese sound smoother and more natural!

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