Translation and Meaning of: すると - suruto

The Japanese word すると (suru to) is a versatile and quite common expression in everyday language. If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about the meaning and usage of this construction, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will explore its meaning, context of use, and even some tips to memorize it more easily. In addition, we will see how it appears in everyday situations and why it is so important for anyone looking to master Japanese.

What does すると mean and how is it used?

すると is a conjunction that can be translated as "then", "thus", or "in this way". It is often used to connect two actions or events, indicating a natural consequence or an expected result. For example, if someone says "窓を開けると、風が入ってきた" (mado o akeru to, kaze ga haitte kita), it means "When I opened the window, the wind came in." Here, すると helps to establish a cause-and-effect relationship.

Another common use of すると is in narratives, where it introduces new information or discovery. Imagine someone telling a story: "ドアを開けた。すると、猫がいた" (doa o aketa. Suru to, neko ga ita) – "I opened the door. Then, there was a cat." This type of construction is very present in books, mangas, and informal conversations, giving fluency to the speech.

The origin and grammatical structure of すると

The word すると is formed by the combination of the verb する (suru - to do) and the particle と (to), which can indicate condition or consequence. This structure is similar to other Japanese constructions that use dictionary form verbs followed by と, such as 見ると (miru to - "when I see") or 行くと (iku to - "when I go").

Although there is no exact record of when すると emerged, its use is strongly linked to modern and colloquial Japanese. Unlike some ancient expressions that have fallen into disuse, すると remains relevant and widely used, both in speech and writing. Its simplicity and efficiency in communication make it a valuable linguistic tool.

Tips for memorizing and using すると correctly

An effective way to internalize すると is to associate it with everyday situations. For example, when describing a sequence of events, such as waking up and having coffee, you can practice: "目覚ましが鳴った。すると、起きてコーヒーを飲んだ" (mezamashi ga natta. Suru to, okite kōhī o nonda) – "The alarm went off. Then, I got up and had coffee." Repeating sentences like this helps to internalize the natural use of the expression.

Additionally, pay attention to how すると appears in animes, dramas, or even in news. Often, it is used to give a narrative tone, almost like "and then...". Observing these real contexts facilitates understanding and avoids confusion with other conjunctions, such as それで (sore de) or だから (dakara), which have different functions.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• すると (suru to) - So, in this case.
• それでは (sore de wa) - So, in this case.
• そうすると (sou suru to) - Thus, in this specific case.
• その結果 (sonokekka) - As a result of this.
• そのため (sono tame) - For this reason.
• そのように (sono you ni) - In this way, like this.
• こうして (kou shite) - In this way, by doing so.
• このように (kono you ni) - This way.
• このため (kono tame) - For this reason.
• こうすると (kou suru to) - Thus, by doing this.
• このような (kono you na) - Of this type, just like this one.
• このようにして (kono you ni shite) - Doing it this way.
• このようになると (kono you ni naru to) - When it becomes like this.
• このような結果になると (kono you na kekka ni naru to) - When it results in such a result.
• こうなると (kou naru to) - When this happens.
• こうなるということは (kou naru to iu koto wa) - What it means for this to happen.
• こうなると考えられる (kou naru to kangaerareru) - One might think that this happens.
• こう考えられると (kou kangaerareru to) - If we think this way, in this manner.
• そう考えると (sou kangaeru to) - If we think like this, in this way.
• そうすることで (sou suru koto de) - Doing it this way.
• そうすることによって (sou suru koto ni yotte) - For doing this, through this.
• そうすることで得られる (sou suru koto de erareru) - What do you get by doing this?
• そうすることで解決する (sou suru koto de kaiketsu suru) - Resolved by doing this.
• そうすることで問題が解決する (sou suru koto de mondai ga kaiketsu suru) - Thus, the problem is solved by doing this.

すると

Romaji: suruto
Kana: すると
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4, jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: Next; other things

Meaning in English: thereupon;hereupon

Definition: verb. to carry out a specific action or task.

Example Sentences - (すると) suruto

See below some example sentences:

遅刻すると先生に怒られる。

Chikoku suru to sensei ni okorareru

If you are late, you will be angry with the teacher.

If you are late, you will be angry with the teacher.

• 遅刻する - be late
• と - particle indicating joint action
• 先生 - Teacher
• に - Particle indicating the target of the action
• 怒られる - be reprimanded

居眠りすると危険です。

Imanari suru to kiken desu

Sleeping while sitting can be dangerous.

It is dangerous to fall asleep.

• 居眠りする - means "sleeping while sitting" or "taking a nap".
• と - It is a particle that indicates a condition or a consequence.
• 危険 - means "danger" or "risk".
• です - is a polite way of saying "is" or "is".

入浴するとリラックスできます。

Nyūyoku suru to rirakkusu dekimasu

Taking a shower can help you relax.

You can relax when you shower.

• 入浴する - Verb that means "to take a shower"
• と - Particle indicating a condition or circumstance
• リラックス - Noun meaning "relaxation"
• できます - Verb meaning "it can be done" or "it is possible"

アップすると体が温まります。

Appu suru to karada ga atatamarimasu

When you send it, your body heats up.

• アップする - warm up, prepare
• と - particle indicating condition or consequence
• 体 - body
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 温まります - warm up

この企画は成功すると信じています。

Kono kikaku wa seikou suru to shinjiteimasu

I believe this plan will succeed.

I believe this project will succeed.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that indicates something close to the speaker
• 企画 - noun meaning "plan" or "project"
• は - topic particle, which indicates the subject of the sentence
• 成功 - noun meaning "success"
• する - verb meaning "to do" or "to accomplish"
• と - particle indicating the quotation of an opinion or thought
• 信じています - verb meaning "to believe" or "to have faith", conjugated in the present affirmative

この作戦は成功すると信じています。

Kono sakusen wa seikō suru to shinjiteimasu

I believe this strategy will succeed.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 作戦 - noun meaning "strategy" or "plan of action"
• は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 成功する - verb meaning "to succeed" or "to be successful"
• と - grammatical particle indicating a direct quotation
• 信じています - compound verb meaning "to believe" or "to have faith"

含嗽をすると喉がスッキリします。

Gansou wo suru to nodo ga sukkiri shimasu

Gargling with goose leaves the throat refreshing.

If you gargle, your throat will be refreshing.

• 含嗽 - gargle
• をすると - when done
• 喉 - throat
• が - subject particle
• スッキリ - refreshing, clean
• します - makes

愚かな行動をすると後悔することになる。

Guka na koudou wo suru to koukai suru koto ni naru

If you act foolishly

If you act foolishly, you will regret it.

• 愚かな - fool, stupid
• 行動 - action, behavior
• をする - make
• と - I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that.
• 後悔する - to regret
• ことになる - end up becoming

拍手をすると心が温かくなる。

Hakushu wo suru to kokoro ga atatakaku naru

Applause will warm your heart.

• 拍手 (hakushu) - applause
• をする (wo suru) - make
• と (to) - When
• 心 (kokoro) - heart, mind
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 温かく (atatakaku) - Hot, warm
• なる (naru) - become

接近すると危険です。

Sekkin suru to kiken desu

It's dangerous to approach.

It's dangerous to get close.

• 接近すると - to approach
• 危険 - danger
• です - Is (verb to be in the present tense)