Japanese Transitive and Intransitive Verbs: 他動詞 vs 自動詞
Japanese has paired transitive (他動詞) and intransitive (自動詞) verbs — one requires a direct object (を), the other describes a state change on its own. Mastering this pair system eliminates one of the most common N3 particle errors.
What are transitive and intransitive verbs?
Transitive verbs (他動詞, tadōshi) take a を object — someone acts on something. Intransitive verbs (自動詞, jidōshi) describe something happening on its own, with no を. The same physical event uses different verbs depending on whether an agent caused it.
Common transitive/intransitive pairs
Most pairs follow predictable patterns. Transitive verbs often end in 〜える or 〜す; intransitive in 〜う or 〜る. Memorize the 20 most common pairs first.
Particle rules: を vs が
Transitive verbs require を before the object. Intransitive verbs use が for the subject that undergoes change. Mixing particles with the wrong verb type is the #1 error JLPT N3 candidates make on grammar sections.
Common mistakes
ドアを開きました
Rightドアを開けました
開く (aku) is intransitive — it cannot take を. 開ける (akeru) is the transitive partner and takes を.
電気がつけた
Right電気をつけた
つける is transitive: the agent uses を to act on the object (電気). を, not が.
ドアが開けました
Rightドアが開きました
開けました is transitive and implies a human agent. Use intransitive 開きました when no agent is stated.
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What is the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs in Japanese?
Transitive verbs (他動詞) describe an action done by someone to something — they require a を object. Intransitive verbs (自動詞) describe something happening on its own — no を, subject marked with が. Example: 開ける (akeru, transitive) = to open [something]; 開く (aku, intransitive) = to open [by itself].
How do I know if a Japanese verb is transitive or intransitive?
Look for patterns: verbs ending in 〜す (出す, 壊す, 落とす) are usually transitive. Verbs ending in 〜る after an え-sound (開ける, 入れる) are often transitive; their 〜う counterparts (開く, 入る) intransitive. There are exceptions, so always check a dictionary for the 他/自 tag.
Is 〜てある transitive or intransitive?
〜てある (te-aru) attaches to transitive verbs and describes a deliberate resultant state: 窓が開けてある (the window has been opened [and left open by someone]). Compare with intransitive 〜ている: 窓が開いている (the window is open — reason unknown).