Transitivity
Japanese verbs often come in pairs: Transitive (doing something to an object) and Intransitive (something happening).
Transitive (Tadoshi)
Target: Subject acts on an Object.
Particle: WO (を)
"I open the door."
Door o akeru.
Intransitive (Jidoshi)
Target: Subject changes state.
Particle: GA (が)
"The door opens."
Door ga aku.
Common Pairs
| Meaning | Transitive (Action) | Intransitive (State) |
|---|---|---|
| Open | Akeru (開ける) | Aku (開く) |
| Close | Shimeru (閉める) | Shimaru (閉まる) |
| Turn On | Tsukeru (つける) | Tsuku (つく) |
| Turn Off/Erase | Kesu (消す) | Kieru (消える) |
| Decide | Kimeru (決める) | Kimaru (決まる) |
| Begin | Hajimeru (始める) | Hajimaru (始まる) |