成す

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 成す is read as なす and is a transitive verb meaning to accomplish a major undertaking or form a shape or state from multiple elements.
• Basic usage: Accomplishing a great work appears in 大業を成す, while forming a curved line appears in 弧を成す.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Accomplishment and formation
  • Context distinguishes a person achieving a goal from multiple things together forming a particular shape or state.
• Difference from 成る
  • 成る is an intransitive verb for becoming a state or being completed, while 成す is transitive and has a subject accomplish a work or form.