B1 Volitional & Imperative 15 min read Medium

Japanese Volitional Form + to suru: Attempting or About To (-you to suru)

Use this pattern to describe actions that are on the verge of happening or attempts that were interrupted.

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use the volitional form + {と|to} {する|suru} to express that you are about to do something or are attempting to do it.

  • Use {volitional|いこうけい} form + {と|to} {する|suru} for 'about to do'. Ex: {寝よう|ねよう}とする (about to sleep).
  • Use {volitional|いこうけい} form + {と|to} {している|shiteiru} for 'currently attempting'. Ex: {起きよう|おきよう}としている (trying to wake up).
  • Use {volitional|いこうけい} form + {と|to} {しない|shinai} for 'refusing to do'. Ex: {食べよう|たべよう}としない (refusing to eat).
Verb(Volitional) + と + する

Overview

Japanese grammar often provides subtle distinctions to express nuance that English might convey with adverbs or specific phrasing. The pattern ~ようとする is a prime example, offering a precise way to describe an attempt, an imminent action, or a lack of intention/refusal. At its core, ~ようとする captures the motion towards an action or a tendency rather than simply stating that an action occurred or will occur.

It focuses on the process, the effort expended, or the state of being on the verge of something.

This construction is highly versatile, with its precise meaning shifting based on the conjugation of the final verb する. Understanding these variations is crucial for learners at the B1 level, as it allows for more sophisticated and accurate expression of one's intentions, observations, and even frustrations.

For example, if you say 電気(でんき)()そうとしたら、電話(でんわ)()った (I was about to turn off the light when the phone rang), you are emphasizing your attempt or imminent action that was interrupted, rather than just stating you didn't turn it off. Similarly, (ねこ)(えさ)()べようとしない (The cat won't eat its food) highlights the cat's refusal or lack of intention, giving a deeper insight into its state than a simple negation.

How This Grammar Works

The grammar pattern ~ようとする is constructed by combining the Volitional Form of a verb with the particle and the verb する. Each component plays a distinct role in forming the overall meaning.
First, the Volitional Form (~よう or ~おう) expresses an internal drive, a suggestion, or a personal intention. It's the "let's do X" or "I intend to do X" form. When used with ~ようとする, it signifies the internal state or inclination towards an action.
For example, ()こう means "let's go" or "I intend to go."
Second, the particle here functions as a quotative particle, similar to how it's used with verbs like () (to say) or (おも) (to think). In this construction, effectively quotes the volitional intent or action. It signifies "as if to do X" or "with the intention of doing X." It connects the internal volition to the external action or tendency expressed by する.
Finally, the verb する (to do) acts as a grammatical operator, taking on different conjugations to indicate the tense and aspect of the attempt or imminent action. The specific form of する is critical in determining the nuance:
  • ~ようとしている (te-iru form): This conveys an imminent action or a current attempt/tendency. It translates to "is about to do X," "is on the verge of doing X," or "is trying to do X." The continuous aspect emphasizes that the action is unfolding or on the cusp of happening. For instance, 夕日(ゆうひ)(しず)もうとしている (The setting sun is about to sink) describes a natural, imminent event.
  • ~ようとした (past tense): This indicates an attempted action that was typically unsuccessful, interrupted, or unfulfilled. The past tense of する signifies that the attempt happened, but the outcome was not the completion of the desired action. It often carries a nuance of "tried to do X, but..." or "was about to do X, when..." For example, (かれ)(はな)しかけようとしたが、タイミングが(わる)かった (I tried to speak to him, but the timing was bad).
  • ~ようとしない (negative form): This expresses a refusal or a lack of intention/effort on the part of the subject. It often implies stubbornness or an unwillingness to perform an action. It translates to "won't try to do X," "shows no intention of doing X," or "refuses to do X." This form is almost exclusively used for third parties or inanimate objects, as using it for oneself (私|わたし}は~しようとしない) sounds detached and unnatural, implying self-criticism or objective observation rather than a personal statement of unwillingness. For example, 子供(こども)野菜(やさい)()べようとしない (The child won't eat vegetables).
Understanding these core distinctions is fundamental. The ~ようとする pattern provides a nuanced lens through which to describe actions that are in motion, on the brink, or consciously resisted, making it an indispensable tool for B1 learners.

Formation Pattern

1
Forming the ~ようとする pattern is straightforward once you master the Volitional Form of Japanese verbs. This involves taking a verb, changing it to its Volitional Form, adding the particle , and then conjugating する (to do) as required by the context. The politeness level of the entire expression is determined by the final conjugation of する.
2
Step 1: Form the Volitional Form of the Verb
3
Japanese verbs are categorized into three main groups for conjugation. Here’s how to form the Volitional Form for each:
4
| Verb Group | Rule | Example Verb | Plain Volitional | Gloss |
5
| :-------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------- | :---------------- | :------------------ | :------------------------------------ |
6
| Godan (Group 1 / u-verbs) | Change the final u sound to the o column and add . | () (to write) | ()こう | Let's write / I intend to write |
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| | | () (to read) | ()もう | Let's read / I intend to read |
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| | | () (to go) | ()こう | Let's go / I intend to go |
9
| Ichidan (Group 2 / ru-verbs) | Drop the final and add よう. | ()べる (to eat) | ()べよう | Let's eat / I intend to eat |
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| | | () (to see) | ()よう | Let's see / I intend to see |
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| | | ()きる (to wake) | ()きよう | Let's wake / I intend to wake |
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| Irregular Verbs | Unique forms. | {する} (to do) | {しよう} | Let's do / I intend to do |
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| | | () (to come) | ()よう | Let's come / I intend to come |
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Step 2: Add
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Once you have the Volitional Form, simply append the particle .
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()こう + ()こうと
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()べよう + ()べようと
18
{しよう} + {しようと}
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Step 3: Conjugate する (to do)
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The final step is to add する in its appropriate conjugated form, depending on whether you want to express an imminent action, an attempted action, or a refusal.
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| Verb Type | Volitional + | Imminent Action (present/continuous) | Attempted Action (past) | Refusal (negative) |
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| :---------------------------- | :---------------------- | :--------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------ | :-------------------------------------- |
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| Godan (e.g., ()) | ()こうと | ()こうとしている (~てます) | ()こうとした (~ました) | ()こうとしない (~ません) |
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| Ichidan (e.g., ()べる) | ()べようと | ()べようとしている (~てます) | ()べようとした (~ました) | ()べようとしない (~ません) |
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| Irregular (する) | {しようと} | {しようとしている} (~てます) | {しようとした} (~ました) | {しようとしない} (~ません) |
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| Irregular (来|く}る) | ()ようと | ()ようとしている (~てます) | ()ようとした (~ました) | ()ようとしない (~ません) |
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Pitch Accent Note: The pitch accent of the Volitional Form often falls on the last mora, e.g., {いこ} (high-low). When and する are added, the accent typically shifts or merges, often creating a flatter intonation or an accent on the of している, but this can vary. For B1 learners, focus on the grammatical construction first.

When To Use It

The ~ようとする pattern is a highly versatile construction used to describe actions that are about to happen, have been attempted, or are being actively resisted. Its utility stems from its ability to convey subtle nuances about volition, natural tendency, and the process of an action. Here are the primary contexts in which you'll encounter and use this grammar.
1. Expressing Imminent Action or a Natural Tendency (~ようとしている)
Use the ~ようとしている form when something is on the verge of happening or has a natural tendency to occur. This can apply to both animate and inanimate subjects, giving a sense of anticipation or a natural progression.
  • For physical actions: When a person is literally about to start doing something.
  • (かれ)(いま)にも部屋(へや)()ようとしている。 (He's about to leave the room at any moment.)
  • 先生(せんせい)質問(しつもん)(こた)えようとしている(とき)、ベルが()った。 (The bell rang just as the teacher was about to answer the question.)
  • For natural phenomena or inanimate objects: This usage personifies the object or phenomenon, attributing an inherent tendency to it. It often describes states that seem to have a will of their own.
  • (そら)(くら)くなって、(あめ)()()そうとしている。 (The sky is getting dark; it looks like it's about to start raining.)
  • この(ふる)()(えだ)は、(いま)にも()れようとしている。 (This old tree branch is about to break at any moment.)
2. Describing an Attempted Action, Often with Implied Failure or Interruption (~ようとした)
When using ~ようとした, the focus is on the effort exerted to perform an action, with the strong implication that the action was not completed or was interrupted. This is the "I tried, but..." or "I was about to, but..." nuance.
  • Failed attempts: When you put in effort, but the goal wasn't achieved due to some obstacle or lack of ability.
  • 昨日(きのう)(あたら)しいレシピに挑戦(ちょうせん)しようとしたが、材料(ざいりょう)()りなかった。 (Yesterday, I tried to attempt a new recipe, but I didn't have enough ingredients.)
  • (おも)荷物(にもつ)()()げようとしたが、結局(けっきょく)できなかった。 (I tried to lift the heavy luggage, but in the end, I couldn't.)
  • Interrupted actions: When something external or unexpected prevented the completion of an action that was just beginning.
  • (かれ)(はな)そうとしたら、(ほか)(ひと)(くち)(はさ)んだ。 (Just as he was about to speak, someone else interrupted.)
  • 公園(こうえん)()こうとしたら、(きゅう)(あめ)()()した。 (When I was about to go to the park, it suddenly started raining.)
3. Expressing Refusal or Lack of Intention/Effort (~ようとしない)
This negative form (~ようとしない) is primarily used to describe someone else's (or an animal's/object's) unwillingness, stubbornness, or lack of effort to do something. It rarely applies to oneself in a direct statement, as it sounds like an objective criticism rather than a personal expression of one's own will.
  • For people's unwillingness: When someone actively resists, shows no intention, or is perceived as not making an effort.
  • 彼女(かのじょ)自分(じぶん)()(みと)めようとしない。 (She won't admit her mistake.)
  • 何度(なんど)説明(せつめい)しても、(かれ)理解(りかい)しようとしない。 (No matter how many times I explain, he won't try to understand.)
  • For animals or objects: Attributing a lack of cooperation, a natural resistance, or a malfunction.
  • (いぬ)がリードを()けようとしないので、散歩(さんぽ)()けない。 (My dog won't let me put on his leash, so I can't take him for a walk.)
  • この機械(きかい)何度(なんど)やっても(うご)こうとしない。 (No matter how many times I try, this machine won't move.)
This pattern underscores the Japanese cultural emphasis on effort (努力|どりょく) and the perception of one's intentions. When someone ~ようとしない, it often implies a criticism of their perceived lack of effort or cooperation, making it a powerful expression in social contexts. It highlights the importance of not just doing something, but actively trying.

Common Mistakes

The ~ようとする pattern, while highly useful, is a common source of errors for learners. These mistakes often stem from a direct translation from English or a misunderstanding of the subtle nuances inherent in Japanese grammar. Mastering this pattern requires a clear understanding of what it implies and, crucially, what it does not imply.
1. Assuming Success with ~ようとした:
  • The Mistake: Many learners incorrectly assume that ~ようとした means "I tried to do X, and succeeded." For example, (ほん)()もうとした is mistakenly thought to mean "I tried to read a book and did." This is one of the most frequent misunderstandings.
  • The Reality: ~ようとした almost universally implies that the action was NOT completed, was interrupted, or was ultimately unsuccessful. The focus is on the effort or attempt, not the result. If you successfully read the book, you would simply say (ほん)()んだ. If you use ~ようとした, listeners will assume something prevented you from finishing.
  • Correct usage (implying failure): レストランに()こうとしたら、満席(まんせき)(はい)れなかった。 (I tried to go to the restaurant, but it was full and I couldn't get in.)
  • Incorrect understanding: If you say レストランに()こうとした and then proceed to talk about eating there without clarifying the initial interruption, it would be contradictory.
2. Using ~ようとしない for Oneself Without Specific Nuance:
  • The Mistake: Directly translating "I won't try to do X" as 私|わたし}は~しようとしない for personal statements of unwillingness. For example, 私|わたし}は宿題(しゅくだい)(はじ)めようとしない (I won't try to start my homework).
  • The Reality: While grammatically possible, using ~ようとしない for oneself sounds highly unnatural and overly objective, almost as if you are criticizing yourself from an external perspective. It lacks the natural subjective feeling of expressing one's own will. For personal unwillingness or lack of intention, more natural expressions are:
  • ~する()がない (I have no intention to do X): 宿題(しゅくだい)をする()がない。
  • ~したくない (I don't want to do X): 宿題(しゅくだい)をしたくない。
  • Exception: You can use ~ようとしない for yourself in specific, often self-deprecating or dramatic contexts where you want to emphasize a strong, almost stubborn, internal resistance. For instance, もう(いや)だ!(なに)()べようとしない! (I hate this! I won't eat anything!) — This suggests an emotional, conscious refusal. However, for B1 learners, stick to ~する()がない or ~したくない for general personal refusal.
3. Confusing ~ようとする with ~てみる:
  • The Mistake: Blurring the lines between "attempting" and "trying out."
  • The Reality: These two patterns have distinct meanings regarding the completion and purpose of the action:
  • ~ようとする (Attempt): Focuses on the effort, will, or tendency to begin an action, often implying the action was not completed. (あたら)しい言語(げんご)習得(しゅうとく)しようとしたが、(むずか)しすぎた。 (I attempted to learn a new language, but it was too difficult.)
  • ~てみる (Trial): Means "to try doing X (to see what happens)." It implies that the action was completed at least once, and the purpose was experimental or exploratory. (あたら)しいカフェに()ってみた。 (I tried going to the new cafe [and went, to see what it was like]). The action of 行く (going) was completed.
  • The key difference lies in the completion of the action and the purpose. ~てみる describes a completed action done experimentally; ~ようとする describes an effort to start an action that may or may not complete.
4. Confusing ~ようとしている with ~ところ:
  • The Mistake: Using them interchangeably for "just about to do X."
  • The Reality: While they can overlap in translation, their underlying nuances differ significantly:
  • ~ところ (Moment/Stage): Refers to a specific objective point in time or stage of an action. (いま)から()べるところです。 (I'm just about to eat.) — This emphasizes the moment in time, often a specific phase of an ongoing activity.
  • ~ようとしている (Volition/Tendency): Emphasizes the internal volition, intention, or natural tendency of the subject to perform the action. It's less about a precise temporal stage and more about the inclination, process, or inherent movement towards an action. ()べようとしている implies a conscious or inherent drive towards eating.
  • Consider (あめ)()()すところです (It's at the point where it will start raining) vs. (あめ)()()そうとしている (It looks like it's about to start raining). The former is a more objective statement of timing, while the latter highlights the tendency or appearance of the rain starting, implying a natural will.
By carefully distinguishing these points, you can avoid common pitfalls and use ~ようとする with greater precision and naturalness.

Real Conversations

To truly grasp ~ようとする, observing its application in everyday, unscripted contexts is invaluable. This pattern appears frequently in casual conversations, social media, and even more formal workplace settings, reflecting genuine human intentions, observations, and frustrations. Pay attention to how native speakers use it to convey nuanced meanings that go beyond simple statements of fact.

1. Casual Conversation & Social Media (Emphasis on Imminence and Effort):

In casual settings, especially when discussing immediate plans or slight mishaps, ~ようとする is common. It adds a dynamic feel to narrative.

- Example 1 (Imminent action/interruption):

- A: (いま)から(かえ)るの? (Are you heading home now?)

- B: うん(un)()ようとしてたところにAからLINEが()た! (Yeah, I was just about to leave when I got a LINE message from A!)

- Here, ()ようとしてた (the casual past continuous form of 出|で}ようとしている) vividly describes being on the cusp of leaving, emphasizing the promptness of the message and how it slightly altered plans.

- Example 2 (Attempted action/failure):

- 昨日(きのう)(あたら)しいカフェに()こうとしたんだけど、(みち)(まよ)っちゃって結局(けっきょく)たどり()けなかった。 (Yesterday, I tried to go to the new cafe, but I got lost and couldn't make it in the end.)

- This perfectly illustrates the "tried but failed" nuance. It's a common way to recount a frustrated endeavor.

2. Workplace & More Formal Contexts (Emphasis on Refusal/Lack of Effort):

While the structure itself is neutral, ~ようとしない often carries a critical or observational tone in more formal settings, especially when discussing colleagues, processes, or policies that seem uncooperative.

- Example 3 (Colleague's resistance):

- (かれ)全然(ぜんぜん)(あたら)しいツールを使(つか)おうとしないんですよ。(こま)りますね。 (He won't try to use the new tool at all, you know. It's troublesome.)

- This implies a stubborn resistance or unwillingness to adapt, a common lament in any office. The speaker is expressing frustration with a colleague's lack of effort or openness to change.

- Example 4 (System/process not complying):

- このシステム、何度(なんど)クリックしても反応(はんのう)しようとしないんです。バグですかね? (This system, no matter how many times I click, it just won't respond. Is it a bug?)

- Here, 反応(はんのう)しようとしない personifies the system, attributing a 'refusal' to it, highlighting its unresponsiveness. This is a common way to express technical difficulties, treating the technology as if it has its own will.

3. Related and Derived Forms (~そうになる):

A closely related and very common expression, particularly for imminent, often negative, events, is ~そうになる. This is a derivation using the informal stem of the verb (known as the masu-stem or conjunctive form) combined with the ~そう (looks like/seems like) suffix, then になる. While not strictly ~ようとする, it functions similarly to express being on the verge of something.

- (あぶ)なく(ころ)びそうになった。 (I almost tripped.)

- 電車(でんしゃ)()(おく)れそうになった。 (I almost missed the train.)

This form focuses more on the appearance or likelihood of an event, rather than the internal volition. ~ようとする retains that element of 'will' or 'tendency', even for inanimate objects, while ~そうになる is often more about the immediate, objective risk or appearance. Learners will encounter both in real conversations, highlighting the nuanced spectrum of expressing imminence in Japanese.

Quick FAQ

Q: Can ~ようとする be used for inanimate objects or natural phenomena?
A: Absolutely, and it's a very common usage. When applied to inanimate objects or natural phenomena, ~ようとする imbues them with a sense of inherent tendency, natural progression, or even a metaphorical 'will.' It helps describe states that seem to have an internal drive towards change.
  • Example: (はな)()こうとしている。 (The flowers are about to bloom.) – This describes the natural, imminent process of blooming.
  • Example: (まど)()こうとしている。 (The window is about to open/trying to open [e.g., due to wind, or it's stuck].)
Q: What's the difference between ~ようと思う and ~ようとする?
A: These two patterns are often confused but refer to distinct stages of intention and action:
  • ~ようと思う (Volitional Form + と思う): Expresses a personal, internal decision, thought, or intention. It means "I think I will do X" or "I intend to do X." The focus is on the mental state of planning or deciding.
  • Example: 明日(あした)から運動(うんどう)しようと(おも)う。 (I intend to start exercising from tomorrow.) – This is a plan in your mind.
  • ~ようとする (Volitional Form + とする): Expresses the effort or physical act of beginning an action, or being on the verge of one. The focus is on the physical or active process of attempting, rather than just the mental intention.
  • Example: 明日(あした)から運動(うんどう)しようとしたが、(あめ)でできなかった。 (I tried to start exercising from tomorrow, but couldn't because of the rain.) – Here, the ~とした indicates an actual attempt that was hindered.
Think of ~ようと思う as the internal decision, and ~ようとする as the external manifestation or initiation of that decision.
Q: Is ~ようとした always negative, implying failure?
A: While ~ようとした very frequently implies that an action was not completed or was interrupted, it's more accurate to say it describes the attempt itself, rather than solely focusing on a negative outcome. The emphasis is on the effort put forth or the moment right before the action.
  • It doesn't always mean total failure, but rather that the desired completion was not achieved in that specific instance.
  • Context is key: 電話(でんわ)()ろうとしたら、(べつ)用件(ようけん)(おも)()した。 (I was about to hang up the phone when I remembered another matter.) – Here, it wasn't a "failure" but an "interruption."
Q: What about politeness levels with ~ようとする?
A: The politeness level of the ~ようとする construction is determined entirely by the conjugation of the final verb する. The Volitional Form + と part itself is neutral. You simply conjugate する into its polite forms (します, しました, しません, しています, etc.) or plain forms (する, した, しない, している, etc.) to match the desired level of formality.
  • Plain (Casual): ()こうとする (I try to go), ()こうとした (I tried to go), ()こうとしない (I won't try to go).
  • Polite (Formal): ()こうとします (I try to go), ()こうとしました (I tried to go), ()こうとしません (I won't try to go).
  • Polite Continuous: ()こうとしています (I am trying/about to go).

Volitional + to suru Conjugation

Verb Type Dictionary Volitional Attempting About to Refusing
Group 1
書く
書こう
書こうとする
書こうとしている
書こうとしない
Group 2
食べる
食べよう
食べようとする
食べようとしている
食べようとしない
Group 3
する
しよう
しようとする
しようとしている
しようとしない
Group 3
来る
来よう
来ようとする
来ようとしている
来ようとしない

Meanings

This structure indicates an action that is imminent (about to happen) or an ongoing attempt to perform an action.

1

Imminent Action

Something is just about to happen.

“{雨|あめ}が{降|ふ}ろうとしている。”

“{会議|かいぎ}が{始|はじ}まろうとしている。”

2

Attempt

Trying to perform an action.

“{彼|かれ}は{問題|もんだい}を{解決|かいけつ}しようとしている。”

“{子供|こども}が{歩|ある}こうとしている。”

3

Refusal

Negative form implies refusal to act.

“{猫|ねこ}が{薬|くすり}を{飲|の}もうとしない。”

“{彼|かれ}は{謝|あやま}ろうとしない。”

Reference Table

Reference table for Japanese Volitional Form + to suru: Attempting or About To (-you to suru)
Form Structure Example
Attempt
Volitional + to suru
行こうとする
Ongoing Attempt
Volitional + to shiteiru
行こうとしている
Imminent
Volitional + to shiteiru
雨が降ろうとしている
Refusal
Volitional + to shinai
食べようとしない
Past Attempt
Volitional + to shita
開けようとした
Past Ongoing
Volitional + to shiteita
寝ようとしていた

Formality Spectrum

Formal
今、出ようとしております。

今、出ようとしております。 (Leaving)

Neutral
今、出ようとしています。

今、出ようとしています。 (Leaving)

Informal
今、出ようとしてる。

今、出ようとしてる。 (Leaving)

Slang
今、出るわ。

今、出るわ。 (Leaving)

The Three Faces of 'To Suru'

Volitional + to suru

Meaning

  • Attempt Trying to do
  • Imminence About to happen
  • Refusal Refusing to do

Examples by Level

1

{今|いま}、{寝|ね}ようとしています。

I am about to sleep now.

2

{今|いま}、{出|で}ようとしています。

I am about to leave now.

3

{今|いま}、{食|た}べようとしています。

I am about to eat now.

4

{今|いま}、{行|い}こうとしています。

I am about to go now.

1

{彼|かれ}は{日本語|にほんご}を{話|はな}そうとしている。

He is trying to speak Japanese.

2

{猫|ねこ}が{外|そと}に{出|で}ようとしない。

The cat refuses to go outside.

3

{会議|かいぎ}が{始|はじ}まろうとしている。

The meeting is about to start.

4

{私|わたし}は{走|はし}ろうとした。

I tried to run.

1

{彼|かれ}は{真実|しんじつ}を{隠|かく}そうとしている。

He is trying to hide the truth.

2

{子供|こども}が{野菜|やさい}を{食|た}べようとしない。

The child refuses to eat vegetables.

3

{電車|でんしゃ}が{出発|しゅっぱつ}しようとしている。

The train is about to depart.

4

{彼|かれ}は{謝|あやま}ろうとしない。

He refuses to apologize.

1

{政府|せいふ}は{問題|もんだい}を{解決|かいけつ}しようとしている。

The government is attempting to solve the problem.

2

{会社|かいしゃ}は{新|あたら}しい{戦略|せんりゃく}を{導入|どうにゅう}しようとしている。

The company is attempting to introduce a new strategy.

3

{彼|かれ}は{自分|じぶん}の{過|あやま}ちを{認|みと}めようとしない。

He refuses to admit his mistake.

4

{雨|あめ}が{降|ふ}り{出|だ}そうとしている。

It is about to start raining.

1

{彼|かれ}は{歴史|れきし}を{変|か}えようと{苦闘|くとう}している。

He is struggling to change history.

2

{社会|しゃかい}は{変化|へんか}しようとしている。

Society is on the verge of change.

3

{彼女|かのじょ}は{運命|うんめい}に{抗|あらが}おうとしない。

She makes no attempt to resist fate.

4

{彼|かれ}らは{現状|げんじょう}を{維持|いじ}しようとしている。

They are attempting to maintain the status quo.

1

{彼|かれ}の{沈黙|ちんもく}は、{真実|しんじつ}を{語|かた}ろうとしない{意思|いし}の{表|あらわ}れだ。

His silence is an expression of his refusal to speak the truth.

2

{時代|じだい}が{動|うご}こうとしている{予感|よかん}がする。

I have a premonition that the era is about to shift.

3

{彼|かれ}は{死|し}を{受|う}け{入|い}れようとしない。

He refuses to accept death.

4

{言葉|ことば}が{喉|のど}まで{出|で}かかろうとしている。

The words are on the verge of coming out of my throat.

Easily Confused

Japanese Volitional Form + to suru: Attempting or About To (-you to suru) vs Tsumori

Both express intent.

Common Mistakes

食べるとする

食べようとする

Must use volitional form.

行くとする

行こうとする

Dictionary form is incorrect.

寝ようとしない (when meaning 'I am not trying to sleep')

寝ようとしていない

Refusal vs. negative continuous.

雨が降ろうとする

雨が降ろうとしている

Imminence requires continuous form.

Sentence Patterns

___が___しようとしている。

Real World Usage

Texting very common

今、着こうとしてる!

💡

The 'Oops' Grammar

If you hear ~ようとした in a story, expect a 'but' (ga/kedo) immediately after. It sets up a plot twist where the action failed.
⚠️

Not for Future Plans

Don't use this to say
I will try to go to Japan next year.
Use {努力|どりょく}する (make an effort) or just {行く|いく}つもり (intend to go). This grammar is for immediate attempts.
💬

Stubborn People

Using ~ようとしない (won't try) is a strong way to criticize someone. It implies they are being unreasonable or lazy. Use with caution!
🎯

Personification

You can make your writing sound very poetic by using this with nature, like
The winter is trying to end
({冬|ふゆ}が{終わろう|おわろう}としている).

Smart Tips

Use the negative form.

彼は食べない。 彼は食べようとしない。

Pronunciation

to-suru

Volitional + to suru

The 'to' is a particle, keep it short and crisp.

Falling

~ようとする↓

Statement of fact.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'You' (Volitional) trying to 'Do' (Suru) something. You are 'You-doing' it!

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing at a door (about to leave) and a cat sitting stubbornly in front of a bowl (refusing to eat).

Rhyme

Volitional form is the key, Add 'to suru' for all to see!

Story

Ken wanted to leave. He stood at the door (about to leave). He tried to open it (attempt). But the door was locked, and it wouldn't open (refusal).

Word Web

しようとする食べようとする行こうとする寝ようとする来ようとする話そうとする

Challenge

Write 3 sentences about what you are about to do, what you are trying to learn, and what your pet refuses to do.

Cultural Notes

Refusal is often expressed indirectly using this form.

Derived from the classical Japanese volitional and the verb 'to do'.

Conversation Starters

今、何をしようとしていますか?

Journal Prompts

今日、何か新しいことをしようとしましたか?

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

彼が___としている。(食べる)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 食べよう
Must use volitional.

Score: /1

Practice Exercises

1 exercises
Fill in the blank.

彼が___としている。(食べる)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 食べよう
Must use volitional.

Score: /1

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Conjugate {書く|かく} (to write) into the 'tried to write' form. Fill in the Blank

{手紙|てがみ}を___とした。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 書こう
My cat is trying to catch a bug. Fill in the Blank

{猫|ねこ}が{虫|むし}を___としている。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 捕まえよう
Match the Japanese to the English nuance. Match Pairs

Match the phrase to its meaning.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["About to eat","Tried to eat (but failed)","Refuses to eat"]
Which implies the bus is moments away from leaving? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {バス|Bus}が{出よう|でよう}としている。
Arrange to say: 'I tried to explain, but he wouldn't listen.' Sentence Reorder

Arrange the fragments.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["{\u8aac\u660e|\u305b\u3064\u3081\u3044}\u3057\u3088\u3046","\u3068\u3057\u305f\u304c\u3001","{\u805e\u3053\u3046|\u304d\u3053\u3046}","\u3068\u3057\u306a\u304b\u3063\u305f"]
Find the mistake in the negative form. Error Correction

{彼|かれ}は{勉強|べんきょう}しようとない。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {勉強|べんきょう}しようとしない
Translate: 'The sun is about to set.' Translation

{日|ひ}が{沈もう|しずもう}としています。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The sun is about to set.
When implies a lack of intention? Multiple Choice

Which sentence shows stubbornness?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {動こう|うごこう}としない
Conjugate {来る|くる} (to come) for 'was about to come'. Fill in the Blank

{彼|かれ}も___とした。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: こよう
What is the volitional form of {泳ぐ|oyogu}? Multiple Choice

Select the correct form:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 泳ごう (oyogou)
The particle is wrong. Error Correction

{出かけよう|でかけよう}をとした。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {出かけよう|でかけよう}とした
Construct: 'The beer is about to spill!' Sentence Reorder

Put the words in order.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["{\u30d3\u30fc\u30eb|Beer}\u304c","{\u3053\u307c\u308c\u3088\u3046|koboreyou}","\u3068","\u3057\u3066\u3044\u308b\uff01"]

Score: /12

FAQ (1)

No, only dynamic verbs.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

In Other Languages

Spanish high

intentar

Japanese adds the 'imminent' aspect.

French high

essayer de

Japanese has the refusal form.

German moderate

versuchen

Japanese adds the 'about to' aspect.

Japanese high

試みる

Volitional is more natural.

Arabic moderate

يحاول

Japanese has the imminent aspect.

Chinese moderate

试图

Japanese has the refusal form.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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