〜にします

〜にします is composed of the particle に, which we must be really familiar with by now, and which means in this context 'towards', and of the verb します, which is the verb 'to do' and in this context, it will be 'to act' as in 'to act upon'. So, it means 'to decide on' or 'to choose on'.

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〜にします will be used to indicate a decision over which the speaker has direct control and chooses for themselves. This is not used if somebody else has made the decision for us.

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With nouns, we will see it in this form;

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Noun + にします

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ははのたんじょうびプレゼントはさいふにしました。

Haha no tanjoubi purezento wa saifu ni shimashita.

As a present for my mother's birthday, I chose a purse.

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おきゃくさま、ごちゅうもんはおきまりですか？

Okyakusama, gochuumon wa okimari desu ka?

Are you ready to order?

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わたしはステーキにします。

Watashi wa suteeki ni shimasu.

I'll have a steak. (I decide upon a steak)

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It is possible to use と instead of に to form the expression とする. Unlike にする, とする indicates a less direct control over the decision. The speaker made a decision, but is less confident that it can be done or has less control over the results. とする is also used in more formal settings.

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この本としました。

Kono hon to shimashita.

I chose this book.

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にする versus きめる

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There is the verb きめる in Japanese, which means 'to choose' 〜にきめる. The difference between にする and きめる is that with にする, it is reserved for simple choices, which do not have a long-term effect, such as ordering at a restaurant. So, we will usually keep 〜にきめる for more important things, like the decision to get married, to have kids, or Ash choosing on Pikachu as his first Pokemon!

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きみにきめた！ピカチュウ！

Kimi ni kimeta! Pikachuu!

I choose you! Pikachu!

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〜にします can be used with verbs. We will see this construction;

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Verb (dictionary form) + こと + にします

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こと is a nominalizer and will turn verbs into nouns.

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日本ごをべんきょうすることにしています。

Nihongo o benkyou suru koto ni shiteimasu.

I have decided to study Japanese.

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It will be the same with きめる.

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わたしはしごとをやめることにきめました。

Watashi wa shigoto o yameru koto ni kimemashita.

I decided to quit my job.

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In this case, we have to pay attention to the verb tense chosen, because it will bring nuances to the sentences.

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します = a new decision has emerged
しました = the decision was taken
しています = the decision is still ongoing

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日本ごをべんきょうすることにしています。

Nihongo o benkyou suru koto ni shiteimasu.

I have made the decision to study Japanese.

日本ごをべんきょうすることにしました。

Nihongo o benkyou suru koto ni shimashita.

I made the decision to study Japanese.

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日本ごをべんきょうすることにします。

Nihongo o benkyou suru koto ni shimasu.

I am taking the decision to study Japanese.

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Flavors 味 （あじ）

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からい = spicy
あまい = sweet
すっぱい = sour
しょっぱい = salty
にがい = bitter
うまみ = savourness
バターっぽい = buttery
ミルクっぽい = milky
つちっぽい = earthy