Translation and Meaning of: 致す - itasu

If you've ever wondered how to say "to do" in Japanese in a more humble or formal way, the word 致す (いたす) is one of the most useful in the vocabulary. In this article, we will explore its etymology and everyday usage, as well as provide memorization tips and curiosities that go beyond the basic meaning. Here at Suki Nihongo, you will also find practical examples to include in your Anki or favorite study method, in addition to understanding how this verb fits into different social contexts in Japan.

Many Japanese students are curious about the origin of 致す and how it differs from other similar terms. Is it used only in formal situations? Are there fixed expressions that include it? Let's uncover all of this, including the reason why this specific kanji was chosen to represent the idea of "to do" in certain contexts.

Etymology and Origin of 致す

The kanji 致 (ち) carries an interesting history. Originally, it represented the idea of "bringing something to a conclusion" or "leading to the limit," composed of the radicals 至 (to arrive) and 夊 (slow step). Over time, this meaning evolved to encompass actions performed with effort or dedication, which explains its use in expressions like 尽力致す (to do one's best).

In ancient Japanese, the verb いたす already existed as a humble form of する (to do). The writing with the kanji 致 was later adopted to reinforce the nuance of "carrying out something with care." This combination of meaning and pronunciation is a classic example of how Chinese characters were adapted to express concepts already present in Japanese.

Practical Use in Japanese Daily Life

Unlike what many think, 致す is not used only in formal ceremonies. In everyday life, you can hear it in phrases like お願い致します (please, do this), where it replaces します to convey greater politeness. Store employees, for example, often use this verb when attending to customers, demonstrating respect through humble language (謙譲語).

One detail that causes confusion is when to choose between する and 致す. While the former is neutral, the latter implies that the action benefits someone of higher status. Have you noticed how in public announcements it appears 開催致します (we will hold)? This choice is not random - it shows that the organizers position themselves lower in relation to the participants, following Japanese social codes.

Tips for Memorizing and Applying

To reinforce 致す in memory, associate the kanji 致 with the image of someone bowing deeply while handing something over with both hands. This mental scene helps to remember both the writing and the respectful tone of the verb. Another technique is to create flashcards with pairs like します (neutral) → 致します (humble), practicing the substitution in real contexts.

How about practicing with everyday situations? Imagine yourself in a fine restaurant in Tokyo: when asking for the bill, saying チェックをお願い致します sounds much more appropriate than the casual version. These small adjustments in speech make a huge difference in how natives perceive your command of the language. Try using 致す when you want to positively impress in formal settings!

Curiosities and Fixed Expressions

Did you know that there is a proverb using 致す? The expression 犬も歩けば棒に当たる (even a dog that walks too much can get hit by a stick) sometimes appears as 犬も歩けば棒に致す, playing with the double meaning of "to do" and "to suffer". This type of wordplay shows how the verb is deeply rooted in Japanese linguistic culture.

In the business world, 致す appears in almost ritualistic constructions. Professional emails often end with 何卒よろしくお願い致します (thank you in advance for your attention), a phrase that demonstrates extreme politeness. Observing these patterns in authentic materials - such as corporate letters or ceremony speeches - is excellent for absorbing the natural use of this word.