Toukyou de hataraku koto ni narimashita
“…koto ni shimasu”
The phrase “…koto ni shimasu” is used to express a conscious decision or determination to perform an action. This structure emphasizes that the action is a result of one’s will or choice. It is a way to convey that the speaker has decided on a specific course of action based on their own volition.
Structure: Verb (short form) + koto ni shimasu
Personal Decision: The use of “…koto ni shimasu” highlights that the decision is a personal one, reflecting the speaker’s intention or determination.
Expression of Will: This structure is often used when the speaker wants to emphasize that the action is something they have decided to do on their own, rather than something that is being forced upon them or happening by chance.
Kyou wa yasuminanode, okashi o tsukuru koto ni shimashita. = Since I have a day off today, I decided to make some sweets.
Here, “okashi o tsukuru koto ni shimashita” shows that the speaker has made the decision to spend their day off making sweets, emphasizing their own choice in the matter.
Rainen, kaisha o yameru koto ni shimashita. = I’ve decided to quit my job next year.
In this example, “kaisha o yameru koto ni shimashita” reflects a significant decision that the speaker has made, again highlighting their personal will and determination.
“…koto ni narimasu”
The phrase “…koto ni narimasu” is used in Japanese to describe a situation where something happens or changes as a result, often independent of the speaker’s will. It conveys that a certain condition or outcome has been decided or will occur, but the decision or change wasn’t necessarily made by the speaker. This structure often implies that the situation is a result of external factors or circumstances.
Structure: Verb (short form) + koto ni narimasu
Outcome or Result: “…koto ni narimasu” is used to describe the outcome of a situation, emphasizing that the result has come about due to circumstances rather than personal choice.
Lack of Speaker’s Will: Unlike “…koto ni shimasu,” which expresses a decision made by the speaker, “…koto ni narimasu” indicates that the situation has been decided by external factors, regardless of the speaker’s intentions or desires.
Sukejuuru ga henkou shite, ashita shigoto surukoto ni narimashita. = The schedule has been changed, so I will end up working tomorrow.
In this example, “shigoto suru koto ni narimashita” shows that the speaker’s work schedule has changed due to circumstances, and as a result, they will be working tomorrow. The decision was not made by the speaker but rather by the situation.
Kono sukyandaru wa ashita housou sareru koto ni narimasu. = This scandal will be broadcast tomorrow.
Here, “housou sareru koto ni narimasu” indicates that the decision to broadcast the scandal was made, likely by others, and it will happen tomorrow as a result of that decision. The speaker is merely reporting the outcome.
Expression
Ashita kaimono ni ikukoto ni shimasu. (decided to go shopping with one’s will)
Ashita kaimono ni ikukoto ni narimasu. (Someone is urged to go shopping, against his will.)
Raigetsu kara toukyou de hataraku koto ni shimashita.
Raigetsu kara toukyou de hataraku koto ni narimashita. (He got an ordinance to go to Tokyo for work.)
Exercise
Questions
Make the sentences under the conditions given.
- He decided to go to Tokyo. It’s his will.
- He says he will never smoke. It’s his will.
- She says she needs to drive to Tokyo against her will.
Answers
- Toukyou e ikukoto ni shimashita.
- Tabako o suwanai koto ni shimashita.
- Toukyou made unten surukoto ni narimashita.