More Japanese help. (Verbs.)?

Question

For transitive verbs (verbs with a direct object) and intransitive verbs (verbs without a direct object) is it possible to just know which verbs are transitive and which are not? I mean, should I pay attention to which verbs are transitive when learning them or will I just know them? Thanks. (Kind of a vague question, I know.)

Answer 1

Actually, it's a good question. Although no two languages conceptualize all their verbs the same, Japanese tends to use a recognizable pattern to distinguish transitive from intransitive verbs:

Pattern I: second syllable changes vowel, final consonant changes from 'r' to 's':

伸びる(nobiru) = to stretch (intr.)
伸ばす(nobasu) = to stretch (tr.)

起きる(okiru) = to wake up (intr.)
起こす(okosu) = to wake up (tr.)

Pattern II: 'maru' changes to 'meru'

始まる(hajimaru) = to start (intr.)
始める(hajimeru) = to start (tr.)

縮まる(chijimaru) = to shrink (intr.)
縮める(chijimeru) = to shrink (tr.)

Of course, these are not the only patterns or examples, but I think it's easy enough to notice them on your own once you start to get the hang of it. Good luck!