What is the difference between 〜しやがる (shiyagaru) and 〜する (suru) in Japanese?

〜しやがる (shiyagaru) vs 〜する (suru)

What's the Difference?

Use 〜しやがる for contempt or arrogance, 〜する for neutral actions. Be cautious with 〜しやがる as it can be rude.

Aspect	〜しやがる (shiyagaru)	〜する (suru)
JLPT	N3	N3
Formality	casual	neutral
Connotation	has a negative, contemptuous tone	is neutral and polite
Formality	is casual and informal	can be used in both formal and informal situations
Usage	often used to express criticism or disapproval	used for general statements or actions

JLPT: N3 | Formality: casual

JLPT: N3 | Formality: neutral

彼は大きな声で話しやがる

kare wa ookina koe de hanashiyagaru

He talks loudly and arrogantly

彼女はいつも遅れてしやがる

kanojo wa itsumo ososeteriyagaru

She always shows up late with an attitude

彼らは勝ったと言ってしやがる

karera wa katta to itte shiyagaru

They claim they won with a contemptuous tone

私は毎日日本語を勉強する

watashi wa mainichi nihongo o benkyou suru

I study Japanese every day

彼女はピアノを弾くことが好きだ

kanojo wa piano o hiku koto ga suki da

She likes to play the piano

彼は毎朝ジョギングをする

kare wa maiasa jogingu o suru

He goes jogging every morning

⚠ Using 〜しやがる in formal situations or with someone you don't know well, which can be considered rude
⚠ Using 〜する when you want to express contempt or arrogance, which can make your message unclear
⚠ Not understanding the nuance of 〜しやがる and using it in the wrong context, which can lead to misunderstandings

💡 Remember that 〜しやがる has a 'sharp edge' to it, so use it carefully to convey contempt or arrogance

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