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答えを見つけようと

B1 表現（動詞句＋助詞） #29 most common 10 min read

答えを見つけようと

kotae o mitsukeyou to Top 29

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 答えを見つけようと in 30 Seconds

Explanation 答えを見つけようと in your Level:

At the A1 level, this phrase is quite difficult because it uses the 'volitional form' (見つけよう) and the particle 'と' in a complex way. For now, just think of it as a fancy way to say 'trying to find the answer.' You know the word 'kotae' (answer) and 'mitsukeru' (to find). In this phrase, they are combined to show that someone is doing something because they want to find an answer. For example, if you are looking at a map because you want to find the way, you are 'trying to find the answer.' At this level, you don't need to use it yourself, but if you see 'kotae' and 'mitsuke...', you can guess it's about looking for a solution.

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn how to express your intentions. You might know 'mitsuketai' (I want to find). '答えを見つけようと' is similar but more formal and used in stories. It means 'with the intention of finding the answer.' The 'yō' part (見つけよう) is the 'let's' or 'intent' form. When you add 'to' after it, it explains the reason for the next action. For example: '答えを見つけようと、辞書を引きました' (I looked in the dictionary, trying to find the answer). It's a step up from just saying 'because I wanted to find the answer.'

As a B1 learner, this is a key expression for describing motivations in narratives or formal contexts. The structure is [Volitional Verb] + と. This specific phrase, '答えを見つけようと,' shows that the subject is acting out of a desire to resolve a question or problem. It's different from '見つけるために' (in order to find) because it focuses more on the subject's internal state and resolve. It often appears in sentences describing research, investigation, or personal reflection. You should be able to recognize this in reading and start using it in your writing to make your descriptions more nuanced and 'Japanese-like.'

At the B2 level, you should appreciate the literary nuance of '答えを見つけようと.' It is frequently used in essays, news reports, and literature to link a character's internal drive to their external actions. It implies a focused, intentional effort. You should also distinguish it from '答えを見つけようとして' (which is more common in speech) and '答えを見つけようとする' (which means 'to try to find the answer'). '答えを見つけようと' (ending in 'to') acts as a sophisticated adverbial clause. It's particularly useful when writing about scientific discoveries, historical investigations, or psychological developments in a story.

For C1 learners, '答えを見つけようと' is a tool for creating flow and depth in formal writing. It allows you to bypass simpler causal structures (like 'node' or 'kara') and directly connect the subject's volition to their subsequent behavior. This expression often sets the stage for a series of actions or a long-term endeavor. You should be able to use it in complex sentences, such as: '未解決事件の答えを見つけようと、彼は退職後も独自に調査を続けた' (Striving to find the answer to the cold case, he continued his own investigation even after retirement). It conveys a sense of professional or personal mission.

At the C2 level, you can use '答えを見つけようと' to evoke specific atmospheres in high-level literature or academic discourse. It can be used to contrast the subject's intense search with the eventual outcome, whether successful or tragic. You understand that this phrase carries a certain 'gravity'—it's not for trivial searches. You might use it in a philosophical treatise or a deep character study to highlight the human condition of searching for meaning in an ambiguous world. It is a phrase that bridges the gap between cognitive intent and existential action, a nuance that C2 speakers can manipulate for maximum rhetorical effect.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

答えを見つけようと in 30 Seconds

Means 'trying to find the answer' or 'in an attempt to find the solution.'
Uses the volitional form of 'mitsukeru' (to find) + the particle 'to'.
Commonly used in literature, news, and formal contexts to show motivation.
The subject of the intention and the following action must be the same.

The expression 答えを見つけようと (kotae o mitsukeyō to) is a sophisticated Japanese phrase used to describe the internal motivation or the driving force behind a person's actions. At its core, it translates to "in an attempt to find the answer" or "striving to find a solution." This phrase is not merely a statement of purpose; it carries a weight of intentionality and often implies a sense of struggle, dedication, or a deep-seated desire to resolve a mystery, a problem, or a life dilemma. It is most commonly encountered in narrative writing, formal speeches, and reflective conversations where the speaker is detailing the process of discovery or problem-solving.

Grammatical Composition: The phrase is composed of the noun 答え (kotae - answer/solution), the object marker を (o), the volitional form of the verb 見つける (mitsukeru - to find), which is 見つけよう (mitsukeyō - let's find/intend to find), and the particle と (to), which here functions to link the intention to the subsequent action. This 'volitional + と' structure is a hallmark of intermediate to advanced Japanese, signaling that the following action was taken specifically because of the thought or intention expressed in the volitional clause.
Contextual Usage: You will hear this in contexts ranging from scientific research—where a scientist performs experiments 'trying to find the answer' to a biological mystery—to personal growth, where someone travels the world 'trying to find the answer' to their life's purpose. It suggests a proactive stance. Unlike the more neutral '見つけるために' (in order to find), '見つけようと' emphasizes the psychological state of the subject at the moment they decided to act.

彼は真実の答えを見つけようと、古文書を読み漁った。
— "In an attempt to find the true answer, he scoured through ancient documents."

In everyday conversation, while slightly formal, it can be used to show sincerity. For instance, if a friend is helping you solve a difficult puzzle and they are looking through every possible resource, you might describe their effort using this phrase to acknowledge their dedication. It is also a staple in Japanese media, particularly in detective dramas or shonen anime, where the protagonist is constantly searching for the 'answer' to a mystery or their own identity. The phrase encapsulates the human spirit of inquiry and the relentless pursuit of truth.

科学者たちは新しいエネルギーの答えを見つけようと、日々研究を重ねている。
— "Scientists are conducting research day after day, striving to find the answer for a new source of energy."

Ultimately, when you use kotae o mitsukeyō to, you are highlighting the bridge between a question and the effort taken to resolve it. It is a phrase that honors the process of seeking. Whether the answer is found or not is secondary to the fact that the person is actively, intentionally looking for it. This makes it a powerful tool for storytelling and expressing complex human motivations in Japanese.

Using 答えを見つけようと requires an understanding of the 'Volitional + と' grammar pattern. This pattern is typically followed by a verb that describes the action taken. The structure is: [Noun] + を + [Volitional Verb] + と + [Main Action]. Because 'mitsukeyō' is the volitional form of 'mitsukeru' (a Group 2 / Ichidan verb), it is formed by replacing the 'ru' with 'yō'.

Sentence Structure 1: Direct Action: The most common way to use this is to follow it with a physical or mental action. For example: '答えを見つけようと、彼は本を開いた' (In an attempt to find the answer, he opened the book). Here, the opening of the book is the direct result of the desire to find the answer.
Sentence Structure 2: Continuous Effort: It can also be used with verbs that describe ongoing states or repeated actions. '答えを見つけようと、何度も実験を繰り返した' (Trying to find the answer, I repeated the experiment many times). This emphasizes the persistence of the subject.

人生の答えを見つけようと、彼は一人で旅に出た。
— "Trying to find the answer to life, he set out on a journey alone."

Another important aspect is the type of 'answer' (答え) being sought. While it can be a literal answer to a math problem, it is frequently used for abstract concepts like 'the meaning of life,' 'the cause of a problem,' or 'the best way forward.' In these cases, the phrase adds a layer of depth, suggesting that the search is significant to the person involved.

チームの不調の答えを見つけようと、監督はデータを分析した。
— "In an attempt to find the answer to the team's slump, the manager analyzed the data."

Finally, note that the particle 'と' can sometimes be followed by verbs like 'する' (suru) to mean 'to try to [verb].' So, '答えを見つけようとする' (kotae o mitsukeyō to suru) means 'to try to find the answer.' When used as '答えを見つけようと' (ending in 'to' before a comma), it functions as a conjunctive phrase describing the motive for the next clause. This flexibility allows for rich, descriptive Japanese sentences that clearly articulate the 'why' behind an action.

The phrase 答えを見つけようと is a staple of Japanese storytelling and intellectual discourse. You will find it in various media where characters or real-life figures are engaged in a quest for knowledge or resolution. Understanding its natural habitat helps in mastering its usage.

Literature and Novels: In Japanese literature, this phrase is often used in internal monologues or by narrators to describe a protagonist's struggle. Whether it's a mystery novel where a detective is piecing together clues or a philosophical work exploring the human condition, '答えを見つけようと' sets a tone of serious inquiry. It is much more common in writing than in casual speech because of its descriptive power.
Documentaries and News: When watching Japanese documentaries (like those on NHK), you will frequently hear narrators use this phrase to describe scientists, historians, or social activists. For example, '失われた文明の答えを見つけようと、調査団は密林へと向かった' (In an attempt to find the answers to the lost civilization, the research team headed into the jungle). It adds a sense of drama and purpose to the reportage.

犯人の動機の答えを見つけようと、刑事は現場に立ち尽くした。
— "Trying to find the answer to the culprit's motive, the detective stood still at the scene."

In academic or professional settings, it appears in research papers or presentations when discussing the 'research question' (問い) and the subsequent methodology. It signals that the actions taken (experiments, surveys, etc.) were deliberate attempts to reach a conclusion. In these contexts, it conveys a high level of professionalism and intellectual rigor.

この難問の答えを見つけようと、世界中の数学者が挑んできた。
— "Mathematicians around the world have challenged themselves, striving to find the answer to this difficult problem."

Finally, you might encounter it in song lyrics. J-Pop and J-Rock often deal with themes of searching for meaning, love, or the future. The phrase fits perfectly into the rhythmic and emotional structure of a bridge or a chorus, expressing a universal human experience: the search for clarity in a confusing world.

While 答えを見つけようと is a powerful expression, it has specific grammatical and contextual constraints that learners often trip over. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Japanese sound more natural and precise.

Mistake 1: Confusing 'to' with 'to suru': A common error is forgetting that '答えを見つけようと' (ending in 'to') is usually a conjunctive phrase that needs a following action. If you want to say 'I am trying to find the answer' as a complete thought, you must say '答えを見つけようとしている' (kotae o mitsukeyō to shite iru). Using just 'to' at the end of a sentence is grammatically incomplete unless it's a quote or a very specific literary fragment.
Mistake 2: Subject Mismatch: The subject of the intention (finding the answer) must be the same as the subject of the action that follows. You cannot say 'I intended to find the answer, and then the teacher spoke.' In Japanese, this structure implies that the teacher was the one trying to find the answer. Correct: '答えを見つけようと、私は先生に質問した' (In an attempt to find the answer, I asked the teacher a question).

❌ 答えを見つけようと、雨が降り出した。
✅ 答えを見つけようと、彼は雨の中を歩き続けた。
— "The second sentence is correct because 'he' is the one with the intention and the one walking."

Another mistake is using the wrong verb form. The volitional form is essential. Some learners mistakenly use the dictionary form: '答えを見つけると' (kotae o mitsukeru to). This changes the meaning entirely to 'When/If I find the answer...' or 'Upon finding the answer...' The 'yō' (よう) is what adds the 'attempt' or 'intention' nuance.

❌ 答えを見つけると、図書館へ行った。
✅ 答えを見つけようと、図書館へ行った。
— "The first one sounds like 'Once I found the answer, I went to the library,' which is logically backwards."

Finally, be careful with the particle 'o' (を). While '答えを見つけようと' is the standard, in some poetic or dialectal contexts, particles might shift, but for B1 level learners, '答えを見つけようと' should be treated as a fixed block of meaning. Don't omit the 'o' unless you are speaking very fast and informally, though as noted, the phrase itself is rarely used in very informal contexts.

Japanese has several ways to express purpose and intention. Understanding how 答えを見つけようと differs from its synonyms will help you choose the right word for the right situation.

見つけるために (Mitsukeru tame ni): This is the most standard 'in order to find.' It is objective and factual. Use this for general purposes: '答えを見つけるために勉強する' (I study to find the answer). It lacks the emotional 'striving' nuance of '見つけようと'.
見つけようと思って (Mitsukeyō to omotte): This is the conversational version. Adding 'omotte' (thinking) makes it softer and more common in daily speech. '答えを見つけようと思って、ネットで調べた' (Thinking I'd find the answer, I looked it up online). It's less 'literary' than just '見つけようと'.
解決を目指して (Kaiketsu o mezashite): Meaning 'aiming for a resolution,' this is more formal and often used in business or social contexts. It focuses on the goal (resolution) rather than the act of 'finding an answer.'

Expression	Nuance	Best For
見つけようと	Strong intent, literary	Narratives, Formal
見つけるために	Objective purpose	General Use
見つけようと思って	Casual intention	Conversation

Another alternative is 答えを求めて (kotae o motomete), which means 'in search of the answer.' This is very similar in tone to '見つけようと' but emphasizes the 'seeking' (求めて) rather than the 'finding' (見つける). '求めて' often implies a longer, perhaps more spiritual or physical journey.

真実を求めて、彼は世界を放浪した。
— "In search of the truth, he wandered the world."

In summary, choose '見つけようと' when you want to highlight the specific moment of resolve or the intense mental focus of someone trying to solve a puzzle, a problem, or a mystery. It bridges the gap between the 'why' and the 'how' with a touch of literary elegance.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The volitional form + 'to' construction dates back to Old Japanese, where it was used to express the internal thoughts or 'heart' of a person before they acted. It's a very 'human-centric' grammar point.

Pronunciation Guide

UK ko-ta-e o mi-tsu-ke-yō to

US koʊ-tɑ-ɛ oʊ mi-tsu-kɛ-joʊ toʊ

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In 'kotae', the pitch usually rises on 'ta'. In 'mitsukeyō', the pitch is relatively flat with a slight rise on 'tsu' and a long, stable 'yō'.

Rhymes With

Omoeyō to (Think/Feel) Utaeyō to (Sing) Tsutaeyō to (Convey) Osaeyō to (Restrain) Kanaeyō to (Grant/Fulfill) Tazunaeyō to (Carry) Tonaeyō to (Chant) Sonaeyō to (Prepare)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tsu' as 'su'.
Shortening the long 'yō' sound to a short 'yo'.
Over-emphasizing the particle 'o'.
Pronouncing 'e' as 'ee' (like 'bee') instead of 'eh'.
Failing to pause slightly after 'to' if it's a conjunctive phrase.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Requires knowledge of the volitional form and the 'to' particle usage.

Writing 4/5

Challenging to use naturally without sounding overly dramatic or formal.

Speaking 4/5

Hard to incorporate into casual speech; usually replaced by 'to omotte'.

Listening 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'kotae' and 'mitsukeru'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

答え (Kotae) 見つける (Mitsukeru) を (Particle) と (Particle) 〜よう (Volitional form)

Learn Next

〜ようとする (Try to do) 〜ようかと思う (Think about doing) 〜ようではないか (Let's do - formal) 〜まいとする (Try not to do) 解決策 (Kaiketsusaku)

Advanced

〜んがため (In order to - archaic/formal) 〜べく (In order to - formal) 〜んとする (Be about to/Try to) 模索 (Mosaku) 究明 (Kyūmei)

Grammar to Know

Volitional Form + と (Intention/Attempt)

学校へ行こうと、家を出た。(I left the house, intending to go to school.)

Volitional Form + と + する (Trying to do)

彼は答えを見つけようとしている。(He is trying to find the answer.)

Noun + を + Verb (Object Marker)

答えを見つける。(Find the answer.)

Verb Stem + 続ける (Keep doing)

答えを見つけようと、探し続けた。(Trying to find the answer, I kept searching.)

Adverbial use of the 'to' particle

急ごうと、走り出した。(Intending to hurry, I started running.)

Examples by Level

答えを見つけようと、本を見ます。

Trying to find the answer, I look at the book.

Simple present tense after the phrase.

答えを見つけようと、先生に聞きます。

Trying to find the answer, I ask the teacher.

Asking a person as the action.

答えを見つけようと、ネットで調べます。

Trying to find the answer, I search on the internet.

Using a tool (internet) for the search.

答えを見つけようと、ノートを書きます。

Trying to find the answer, I write in my notebook.

Writing as a way to find an answer.

答えを見つけようと、考えます。

Trying to find the answer, I think.

Mental action (thinking) following the phrase.

答えを見つけようと、地図を見ました。

Trying to find the answer, I looked at the map.

Past tense action.

答えを見つけようと、友達に電話しました。

Trying to find the answer, I called my friend.

Calling someone for help.

答えを見つけようと、辞書を使いました。

Trying to find the answer, I used a dictionary.

Using a dictionary as the action.

彼は答えを見つけようと、一生懸命勉強した。

He studied hard, trying to find the answer.

Adding an adverb (isshōkenmei) for emphasis.

答えを見つけようと、何度もテストをしました。

Trying to find the answer, I did the test many times.

Repeated action (nando mo).

答えを見つけようと、図書館へ行きました。

Trying to find the answer, I went to the library.

Going to a place to find the answer.

彼女は答えを見つけようと、静かに考えた。

She thought quietly, trying to find the answer.

Describing the manner of thinking (shizuka ni).

答えを見つけようと、みんなで話し合いました。

Trying to find the answer, we all discussed it together.

Group action (minna de).

答えを見つけようと、古い手紙を読みました。

Trying to find the answer, I read old letters.

Reading specific items (old letters).

答えを見つけようと、夜遅くまで起きていた。

Trying to find the answer, I stayed up until late at night.

Expressing a state of being awake (okite ita).

答えを見つけようと、箱の中を探しました。

Trying to find the answer, I searched inside the box.

Searching a physical location.

その謎の答えを見つけようと、彼は一人で森に入った。

In an attempt to find the answer to that mystery, he entered the forest alone.

Using 'nazo' (mystery) as the object of the answer.

科学者は真実の答えを見つけようと、実験を繰り返した。

The scientist repeated experiments, striving to find the true answer.

Professional context (scientist).

人生の答えを見つけようと、彼女はインドへ旅立った。

Trying to find the answer to life, she set off for India.

Abstract concept (life's answer).

犯人の動機の答えを見つけようと、刑事は現場を調べた。

Trying to find the answer to the culprit's motive, the detective searched the scene.

Investigative context.

彼は自分の居場所の答えを見つけようと、転職を繰り返した。

Striving to find the answer of where he belongs, he changed jobs many times.

Social/Personal search context.

答えを見つけようと、過去の記録をすべて洗い出した。

In an attempt to find the answer, I went through all the past records.

Using 'araidasu' (to investigate thoroughly).

チームの勝機という答えを見つけようと、監督は作戦を練った。

Trying to find the answer to the team's chance of winning, the coach devised a strategy.

Strategic context.

幸福の答えを見つけようと、彼は哲学書を読み耽った。

Striving to find the answer to happiness, he was absorbed in philosophy books.

Using 'yomifukeru' (to be absorbed in reading).

宇宙の起源という壮大な答えを見つけようと、最新の望遠鏡が建設された。

In an attempt to find the grand answer to the origin of the universe, the latest telescope was built.

Passive voice in the main clause.

彼は失われた記憶の答えを見つけようと、故郷を訪ねた。

Striving to find the answer to his lost memories, he visited his hometown.

Focus on memory and identity.

企業は消費者のニーズという答えを見つけようと、市場調査に奔走している。

Companies are busy with market research, trying to find the answer to consumer needs.

Business context with 'honsō shite iru' (busy running around).

この数式の答えを見つけようと、彼は何日も徹夜を続けた。

Trying to find the answer to this mathematical formula, he continued to stay up all night for days.

Academic/Intense effort context.

平和への答えを見つけようと、各国の大統領が会談を行った。

Striving to find the answer to peace, presidents of various countries held a meeting.

Political/Global context.

彼は自分自身の才能の答えを見つけようと、様々な芸術に挑戦した。

In an attempt to find the answer to his own talent, he challenged himself with various arts.

Self-actualization context.

病気の原因という答えを見つけようと、医師たちは懸命にデータを分析した。

Trying to find the answer to the cause of the disease, doctors desperately analyzed the data.

Medical research context.

伝統を守るための答えを見つけようと、職人は新しい技術を取り入れた。

Striving to find the answer to preserving tradition, the craftsman adopted new techniques.

Cultural/Traditional context.

人類の存続という究極の答えを見つけようと、火星移住計画が進められている。

In an attempt to find the ultimate answer to the survival of humanity, the Mars colonization plan is being advanced.

High-level scientific/existential topic.

彼は言葉の壁を越える答えを見つけようと、言語学の深淵に足を踏み入れた。

Striving to find the answer to overcoming language barriers, he stepped into the depths of linguistics.

Metaphorical language ('depths of linguistics').

社会の歪みの答えを見つけようと、そのジャーナリストは危険な地域へ潜入した。

Trying to find the answer to the distortions in society, the journalist infiltrated a dangerous area.

Journalistic/Social commentary context.

古の知恵の中に答えを見つけようと、彼女は経典を現代語に翻訳し続けた。

In an attempt to find the answer within ancient wisdom, she continued to translate scriptures into modern language.

Scholarly/Translational context.

経済危機の答えを見つけようと、専門家たちは複雑なアルゴリズムを解析した。

Striving to find the answer to the economic crisis, experts analyzed complex algorithms.

Economic/Technical context.

自己のアイデンティティという答えを見つけようと、彼は沈黙の修行に入った。

Trying to find the answer to his own identity, he entered a period of silent meditation.

Spiritual/Psychological context.

環境破壊を止める答えを見つけようと、若者たちは世界中で声を上げている。

Striving to find the answer to stopping environmental destruction, young people are raising their voices worldwide.

Social activism context.

愛の定義という答えを見つけようと、詩人は一生をかけて言葉を紡いだ。

In an attempt to find the answer to the definition of love, the poet spent his whole life spinning words.

Poetic/Literary context.

存在の根源的な答えを見つけようと、哲学者は言語の限界に挑み続けた。

Striving to find the fundamental answer to existence, the philosopher continued to challenge the limits of language.

Abstract philosophical discourse.

歴史の闇に葬られた答えを見つけようと、考古学者は執念深く発掘を続けた。

In an attempt to find the answer buried in the darkness of history, the archaeologist tenaciously continued the excavation.

Using 'shūnenbukaku' (tenaciously/obsessively).

意識のメカニズムという答えを見つけようと、脳科学の最前線では熾烈な研究が展開されている。

Trying to find the answer to the mechanism of consciousness, fierce research is unfolding at the forefront of neuroscience.

Scientific/Cutting-edge context.

絶望の淵から這い上がる答えを見つけようと、彼は自身の内面と対峙した。

Striving to find the answer to crawling back from the abyss of despair, he confronted his own inner self.

Psychological/Existential depth.

不老不死という禁断の答えを見つけようと、古の錬金術師たちは秘術を尽くした。

In an attempt to find the forbidden answer to immortality, ancient alchemists exhausted all their secret arts.

Historical/Mythological context.

正義の真髄という答えを見つけようと、法学者は膨大な判例を紐解いた。

Trying to find the answer to the essence of justice, the legal scholar unraveled a vast number of judicial precedents.

Legal/Academic context.

自然界の調和という答えを見つけようと、生物学者は未踏の地へと足を踏み入れた。

Striving to find the answer to the harmony of the natural world, the biologist stepped into uncharted territory.

Scientific exploration context.

救済の答えを見つけようと、聖者は荒野で四十日間の断食を行った。

In an attempt to find the answer to salvation, the saint fasted for forty days in the wilderness.

Religious/Hagiographic context.

Common Collocations

必死に答えを見つけようと

人生の答えを見つけようと

真実の答えを見つけようと

自ら答えを見つけようと

答えを見つけようと奔走する

答えを見つけようと試行錯誤する

答えを見つけようと葛藤する

納得のいく答えを見つけようと

唯一の答えを見つけようと

答えを見つけようと問いかける

Common Phrases

答えを見つけようとする姿勢

— The attitude of trying to find the answer. It highlights a person's proactive mindset.

彼の答えを見つけようとする姿勢は素晴らしい。

答えを見つけようと躍起になる

— To be desperate or frantic in trying to find the answer. Often used when someone is overly focused.

彼は犯人の答えを見つけようと躍起になっている。

答えを見つけようと知恵を絞る

— To rack one's brains trying to find the answer. Emphasizes intellectual effort.

チーム全員で答えを見つけようと知恵を絞った。

答えを見つけようと目を凝らす

— To look closely/stare trying to find the answer. Used for visual searches.

暗闇の中で答えを見つけようと目を凝らした。

答えを見つけようと耳を澄ます

— To listen carefully trying to find the answer. Used when the 'answer' is a sound or verbal clue.

微かな音から答えを見つけようと耳を澄ました。

答えを見つけようと手を尽くす

— To try every possible means to find the answer. Emphasizes exhaustive effort.

あらゆる答えを見つけようと手を尽くしたが、無駄だった。

答えを見つけようと過去を振り返る

— To look back at the past trying to find the answer. Used for reflection or historical research.

失敗の答えを見つけようと過去を振り返った。

答えを見つけようと前を向く

— To look forward/be positive trying to find the answer. Used in motivational contexts.

未来への答えを見つけようと前を向いて歩き出した。

答えを見つけようと本を漁る

— To rummage through books trying to find the answer. Suggests a frantic or thorough search.

彼は答えを見つけようと図書館の本を漁った。

答えを見つけようと問い続ける

— To keep asking/questioning in order to find the answer. Emphasizes persistence.

彼は真実の答えを見つけようと問い続けた。

Often Confused With

答えを見つけようと vs 答えを見つけると

This means 'When/If I find the answer.' It lacks the intention of 'trying to find.'

答えを見つけようと vs 答えを見つけようとして

Very similar, but 'to shite' is slightly more colloquial and focuses on the immediate attempt.

答えを見つけようと vs 答えを見つけるために

More objective and factual. '見つけようと' is more psychological and literary.

Idioms & Expressions

"暗中模索で答えを見つけようと"

— Groping in the dark to find the answer. Used when someone has no clues but keeps trying.

暗中模索で答えを見つけようと、新しい事業を始めた。

Literary/Formal

"藁をも掴む思いで答えを見つけようと"

— Clutching at straws to find the answer. Used in desperate situations.

藁をも掴む思いで答えを見つけようと、占いに頼った。

Idiomatic

"七転八倒して答えを見つけようと"

— Struggling through ups and downs to find the answer. Emphasizes great effort and suffering.

七転八倒して答えを見つけようと、研究を完成させた。

Idiomatic

"不眠不休で答えを見つけようと"

— Without sleep or rest to find the answer. Used for extreme dedication.

不眠不休で答えを見つけようと、プログラミングを続けた。

Formal

"一縷の望みをかけて答えを見つけようと"

— Hanging on a thin ray of hope to find the answer. Used in near-hopeless cases.

一縷の望みをかけて答えを見つけようと、再調査を依頼した。

Literary

"血眼になって答えを見つけようと"

— To search frantically (with bloodshot eyes) for the answer.

彼は血眼になって答えを見つけようと、資料を調べた。

Informal/Strong

"心血を注いで答えを見つけようと"

— To pour one's heart and soul into finding the answer.

心血を注いで答えを見つけようと、作品を作り上げた。

Formal/Literary

"背水の陣で答えを見つけようと"

— With one's back to the wall to find the answer. No way to retreat.

背水の陣で答えを見つけようと、最後の勝負に出た。

Idiomatic

"石にかじりついても答えを見つけようと"

— To find the answer even if one has to bite into a stone (at any cost).

石にかじりついても答えを見つけようと、彼は諦めなかった。

Idiomatic

"五里霧中で答えを見つけようと"

— Lost in a fog, trying to find the answer. Used when completely confused.

五里霧中で答えを見つけようと、手探りで進んだ。

Literary

Easily Confused

答えを見つけようと vs 探す (Sagasu)

Both involve looking for something.

'Mitsukeru' focuses on the act of *finding* or *discovering*, while 'Sagasu' focuses on the *search* itself.

答えを探そうと (Trying to search for the answer) vs 答えを見つけようと (Trying to find the answer).

答えを見つけようと vs 解く (Toku)

Both relate to solving problems.

'Toku' means to solve (like a math problem). 'Mitsukeru' means to find the answer (which might already exist).

問題を解こうと (Trying to solve the problem).

答えを見つけようと vs 求める (Motomeru)

Both involve seeking something.

'Motomeru' is more about 'desiring' or 'requesting' an answer.

答えを求めようと (Trying to seek/request the answer).

答えを見つけようと vs 当てる (Ateru)

Both relate to getting the right answer.

'Ateru' means to guess correctly.

答えを当てようと (Trying to guess the answer).

答えを見つけようと vs 導く (Michibiku)

Both relate to reaching an answer.

'Michibiku' means to lead or derive an answer through a process.

答えを導こうと (Trying to derive the answer).

Sentence Patterns

答えを見つけようと、[Simple Verb]。

答えを見つけようと、本を読みました。

答えを見つけようと、[Adverb] [Verb]。

答えを見つけようと、一生懸命考えました。

[Noun]の答えを見つけようと、〜。

なぞなぞの答えを見つけようと、友達と話した。

答えを見つけようと、〜し続けた。

答えを見つけようと、実験を繰り返した。

自ら答えを見つけようと、〜。

自ら答えを見つけようと、一人で調査を始めた。

[Abstract Concept]という答えを見つけようと、〜。

真実という答えを見つけようと、彼は沈黙を守った。

答えを見つけようと、[Complex Action]。

答えを見つけようと、古文書を徹底的に解析した。

答えを見つけようと、[Metaphorical Action]。

答えを見つけようと、彼は歴史の深淵を覗き込んだ。

Word Family

Nouns

答え (Kotae - Answer)

見つけもの (Mitsukemono - Found object)

発見 (Hakken - Discovery)

Verbs

見つける (Mitsukeru - To find)

見つかる (Mitsukaru - To be found)

答える (Kotaeru - To answer)

Adjectives

答えがたい (Kotaegatai - Hard to answer)

見つけやすい (Mitsukeyasui - Easy to find)

問い (Toi - Question)

解決 (Kaiketsu - Resolution)

探求 (Tankyū - Quest/Search)

真実 (Shinjitsu - Truth)

理由 (Riyū - Reason)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in written Japanese (novels, essays, reports). Moderate in formal spoken Japanese. Rare in casual conversation.

Common Mistakes

答えを見つけると、彼は本を読んだ。 → 答えを見つけようと、彼は本を読んだ。
The dictionary form 'mitsukeru' with 'to' means 'when/if.' The volitional 'mitsukeyō' is needed to show intention.
答えを見つけようと、雨が降ってきた。 → 答えを見つけようと、彼は傘をさした。
The subject of the intention (finding the answer) must be the same as the subject of the action (holding the umbrella). Rain has no intention.
答えを見つけようと。 → 答えを見つけようとしている。
You cannot end a sentence with just 'to' in this context. It needs a main verb or the 'suru' auxiliary.
答えを見つけようと、先生が言った。 → 答えを見つけようと、私は先生に聞いた。
If you use 'mitsukeyō to' followed by 'teacher said,' it implies the teacher was the one trying to find the answer. If you were the one trying, you must be the subject of the action.
答えを見つけようと、彼は寝た。 → 答えを諦めて、彼は寝た。
The action (sleeping) should logically follow the intention (finding the answer). Sleeping is usually the opposite of searching.

Tips

Master the Volitional

The volitional form is key here. For Group 1 verbs, change the 'u' sound to 'o' and add 'u' (e.g., iku -> ikō). For Group 2, replace 'ru' with 'yō' (e.g., taberu -> tabeyō).

Dramatic Effect

Use this phrase when you want to make a character's search sound more important or meaningful. It adds a layer of 'striving' that 'tame ni' lacks.

Sentence Flow

Use '答えを見つけようと' at the beginning of a sentence to set the motive, followed by a comma, and then the action. This creates a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

Abstract Answers

Don't limit 'kotae' to just math. Use it for 'shinjitsu' (truth), 'ikigai' (purpose), or 'kaiketsu' (solution).

Listen for the 'To'

The particle 'to' after a volitional verb is a strong signal of intention. It's like a 'mental quote' of what the person is thinking before they act.

Use in Speeches

This is a great phrase for a speech or presentation to show that you or your organization is dedicated to finding solutions.

Identify the Subject

Always check who the subject of the main verb is. That person is also the one who 'intends to find the answer.'

The Value of Seeking

Remember that in Japan, the effort of 'trying' (ganbaru) is highly valued. This phrase encapsulates that cultural spirit.

Transform Sentences

Take a simple sentence like 'I read a book to find the answer' and transform it into '答えを見つけようと、本を読んだ' to practice the nuance.

Avoid Dictionary Form

Never say 'mitsukeru to' if you mean 'trying to find.' 'Mitsukeru to' means 'When I find' or 'If I find.'

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a detective (Mitsukeru) holding a giant key (yō) to unlock a box containing the 'Answer' (Kotae). He says 'To!' as he turns the key.

Visual Association

Visualize a person in a dark room with a single flashlight beam (the intention) searching for a golden key (the answer) on a wall full of locks.

Word Web

答え (Answer) 見つける (Find) 意向形 (Volitional) 目的 (Purpose) 努力 (Effort) 探す (Search) 解決 (Solution) 真実 (Truth)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about a famous scientist or explorer using '答えを見つけようと' to describe their most famous discovery.

Word Origin

The phrase is a combination of the native Japanese (Yamato kotoba) noun 'kotae' and the verb 'mitsukeru'. 'Kotae' comes from the verb 'koto-au' (words matching), signifying a response that matches a question. 'Mitsukeru' is a compound of 'mi' (to see) and 'tsukeru' (to attach/fix), meaning to fix one's gaze on something and thus find it.

Original meaning: Originally, it meant to fix one's eyes on a matching word or response.

Japonic / Native Japanese

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using it for trivial things like 'trying to find a snack' unless you are being intentionally funny/dramatic.

In English, we often say 'In search of...' or 'Trying to find...', but the Japanese phrase is more grammatically tied to the *next* action, making it more dynamic.

Sherlock Holmes stories (Japanese translations often use this for his methods). The anime 'Detective Conan' (frequent use of searching for the truth). Japanese philosophical essays on 'Ikigai' (reason for being).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Academic Research

仮説の答えを見つけようと
データの解析を行う
実験を重ねる
先行研究を調べる

Detective/Mystery

事件の答えを見つけようと
証拠を集める
現場を百回訪れる
アリバイを崩す

Self-Reflection

自分なりの答えを見つけようと
内面を見つめる
旅に出る
日記を書く

Business Problem Solving

売上低下の答えを見つけようと
戦略を練り直す
顧客の声を聞く
競合他社を分析する

Education/Learning

難問の答えを見つけようと
参考書を読み込む
先生に質問する
自習室に通う

Conversation Starters

"人生の答えを見つけようと、何か特別なことをしたことがありますか？ (Have you ever done something special trying to find the answer to life?)"

"難しい問題の答えを見つけようと、一番長く考えたのはいつですか？ (When was the longest you've thought while trying to find the answer to a difficult problem?)"

"仕事で答えを見つけようと、必死になった経験はありますか？ (Do you have an experience where you were desperate to find an answer at work?)"

"答えを見つけようとするとき、あなたは一人で考えますか、それとも誰かに相談しますか？ (When trying to find an answer, do you think alone or consult someone?)"

"最近、何か答えを見つけようと頑張っていることはありますか？ (Is there anything you've been working hard on lately, trying to find an answer?)"

Journal Prompts

「幸せとは何か」という答えを見つけようと、今日一日を振り返って気づいたことを書いてください。 (Write about what you noticed today while reflecting on the answer to 'What is happiness?')

あなたがこれまでの人生で、答えを見つけようと最も努力したことについて詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about the thing you worked hardest on to find an answer in your life so far.)

もし、どんな質問にも答えが見つかる魔法の図書館があったら、あなたは何の答えを見つけようとしますか？ (If there were a magical library where you could find the answer to any question, what answer would you try to find?)

「答えを見つけようと」することの楽しさと苦しさについて、自分の経験を交えて書いてください。 (Write about the joy and hardship of 'trying to find the answer,' including your own experiences.)

将来の自分への答えを見つけようと、今自分がすべきことは何だと思いますか？ (What do you think you should do now to find the answer for your future self?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically yes, but it sounds very dramatic. It's like saying 'In a quest to find the answer of the missing keys...' In casual life, just say 'kagi o sagasō to omotte' (Thinking I'll look for my keys).

'Mitsukeyō to' (ending in 'to') is often used as a conjunctive phrase to describe the motive for the next action in the sentence. 'Mitsukeyō to shite' is the 'te-form' of 'mitsukeyō to suru' (to try to find) and is more common in spoken Japanese to link two actions.

Yes, it has a literary and formal nuance. It is commonly found in books, news, and speeches rather than in a casual chat at a cafe.

No, the subject must be a person or an entity capable of having an intention (like a company or a research team). You cannot use it for inanimate natural phenomena.

No, it often refers to solutions, truths, meanings, or ways of living. It is very common in abstract and philosophical contexts.

'Mitsukeru' is an Ichidan (Group 2) verb. To make the volitional form, remove 'ru' and add 'yō'. So, mitsuke + yō = mitsukeyō.

Usually no. It needs to be followed by an action. If you want to end the sentence, use 'mitsukeyōとしている' (is trying to find).

The object marker 'o' (を) is the most common, as in 'kotae o mitsukeru' (to find the answer).

Yes, if you are describing the efforts your team is making to solve a problem. It sounds professional and dedicated.

No, it only describes the *attempt* or *intention*. The result (whether the answer was found or not) is usually explained in the following sentences.