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:

法律に違反すると罰せられる。

Hōritsu ni hihan suru to basserareru

You will be punished if you break the law.

• 法律 (hou ritsu) - law
• に (ni) - particle that indicates action or destination
• 違反する (i han suru) - violate, infringe
• と (to) - particle indicating condition or consequence
• 罰せられる (batsu serareru) - ser punido

滞納すると信用が落ちます。

Taino suru to shin'you ga ochimasu

If you are defaulting, you will lose your credit.

• 滞納する - delay payment
• と - particle that indicates a cause and effect relationship
• 信用 - credit, trust
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 落ちます - decrease, fall

転寝すると腰が痛くなる。

Tennen suru to koshi ga itaku naru

If I sleep on my side

When I sleep, my back hurts.

• 転寝する - means "to change position while sleeping."
• と - it is a particle that indicates a cause and effect relationship. In this case, "when" or "if".
• 腰 - means "lower back" or "waist area".
• が - It is a particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 痛くなる - means "to feel sore" or "to start to hurt".