なす (nasu)

Meaning & usage

なす is a formal, literary verb meaning to do, perform, or accomplish something. It commonly appears in set patterns such as なすべきこと (what should be done) and なすに足る (worth doing), where it follows the particle に or takes べき directly. Its tone is written or elevated rather than everyday speech.

Example sentences 8

1. 天才てんさいはなすべきことをなし、芸能者げいのうしゃは出来できることをする。

   Genius does what it must, and talent does what it can.

2. 何をなすべきかについて私の意見は彼の意見と異なる。

   My view is different from his as to what should be done.

3. よい席をとるためになすべきすべては早く出かけることだ。

   All that you have to do to get a good seat is to leave early.

4. いやしくもなすに足る事なら立派にやるだけの価値がある。

   If it is worth doing at all, it is worth doing well.

5. 私の規制は常にその日の仕事は、その日になすことであった。

   My rule always was to do the business of the day in the day.

6. 君の言うことなすこと、私にはさっぱりわからない。

   I can make nothing of what you do or say.

7. どんなことが起ころうと、なすべきことはしなさい。

   Do what you ought to, come what may.

8. トムのやることなすこと全てが気に食わない。

   I don't like anything Tom does.