Processing keyword: ～うとした (〜uto shita)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～うとした (〜uto shita)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ～うとした (〜uto shita). This structure is used to express that someone was about to do something or attempted to do something but didn't complete the action. It's a useful way to describe actions that were intended but ultimately not realized.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The grammar pattern ～うとした conveys the meaning of:

• Attempted Action: Indicating that someone tried to do something but didn't succeed.
• Immediate Future: Expressing that someone was just about to do something when another event occurred.

Structure

The structure involves using the volitional form of a verb followed by とした.

Formation Diagram

Verb Type	Volitional Form Ending	Example Verb	Volitional Form
Godan verbs	う → おう	書く (kaku)	書こう (kakō)
Ichidan verbs	る → よう	食べる (taberu)	食べよう (tabeyō)
Irregular verbs	Special Forms	する (suru)	しよう (shiyō)
		来る (kuru)	来よう (koyō)

• [Verb Volitional Form] + とした

Detailed Explanation

1. Volitional Form: This form expresses a will or intention to perform an action.
   • For Godan verbs (五段動詞): Change the final -u sound to -ō.
     • 読む (yomu) → 読もう (yomō)
   • For Ichidan verbs (一段動詞): Replace -ru with -yō.
     • 見る (miru) → 見よう (miyō)
   • For Irregular verbs:
     • する → しよう
     • 来る → 来よう (koyō)
2. Adding とした: By attaching とした (past tense of とする) to the volitional form, you express that someone attempted or was about to perform the action.

• Example:
  • 行こうとした → "I tried to go" or "I was about to go"

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ～うとした with similar grammar points:

• ～うとする: Present tense form, meaning "to try to do" or "to be about to do" something in general.
  • 出かけようとする: "I try to go out" or "I'm about to go out"
• ～うと思う: Expresses the speaker's intention or plan to do something.
  • 勉強しようと思う: "I think I will study" Differences:
• ～うとした emphasizes an action that was attempted but not completed.
• ～うとする can indicate habitual attempts or immediate future actions.
• ～うと思う focuses on personal intentions or decisions about future actions.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. 家を出ようとしたときに雨が降り始めた。
   • Romaji: Ie o deyou to shita toki ni ame ga furihajimeta.
   • Translation: Just when I was about to leave the house, it started raining.
2. 電車に乗ろうとしたが、ドアが閉まってしまった。
   • Romaji: Densha ni norō to shita ga, doa ga shimatte shimatta.
   • Translation: I tried to get on the train, but the doors closed.
3. 彼女は何か言おうとしたが、言葉が出なかった。
   • Romaji: Kanojo wa nanika iō to shita ga, kotoba ga denakatta.
   • Translation: She tried to say something, but the words wouldn't come out.
4. 昨夜早く寝ようとしたが、結局遅くまで起きていた。
   • Romaji: Sakuya hayaku neyō to shita ga, kekkyoku osoku made okite ita.
   • Translation: I tried to go to bed early last night, but ended up staying up late.
5. その質問に答えようとしたときに、電話が鳴った。
   • Romaji: Sono shitsumon ni kotaeyō to shita toki ni, denwa ga natta.
   • Translation: Just as I was about to answer the question, the phone rang.

Formal and Informal Usage

• Formal Context:
  • 面接室に入ろうとしたとき、緊張で足がすくんだ。
    • Translation: As I was about to enter the interview room, my legs froze with nervousness.
• Informal Context:
  • 友達に電話しようとしたけど、番号を忘れちゃった。
    • Translation: I tried to call my friend, but I forgot their number.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, expressing attempts or intentions politely is important. The use of ～うとした allows speakers to convey their efforts without boasting about success, aligning with the cultural value of humility.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• The volitional form itself is neutral but can be adjusted for politeness by changing the surrounding language.
  • Polite form: 行こうとしました
  • Casual form: 行こうとした

Idiomatic Expressions

• 逃げようとしたが、逃げられなかった。
  • Translation: I tried to escape, but couldn't.
• 笑おうとしたけど、うまく笑えなかった。
  • Translation: I tried to smile, but couldn't do it well.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Incorrect Verb Form: Using the dictionary form instead of the volitional form.
  • Incorrect: 食べるとした
  • Correct: 食べようとした
• Confusing Tenses: Mixing up ～うとする (present tense) and ～うとした (past tense).
  • ～うとする: Ongoing attempt or immediate future.
  • ～うとした: Attempt made in the past.

Learning Strategies

• Remember the Volitional Form: Practice conjugating verbs into the volitional form to use this grammar point correctly.
• Associate with "About to": Whenever you see ～うとした, think "was about to" or "tried to" in English.
• Create Example Sentences: Make your own sentences using daily activities to internalize the grammar.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～うとした is used to express attempted or imminent actions that were not completed.
• Formed by adding とした to the volitional form of a verb.
• Important to use the correct verb form to convey the intended meaning.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form the volitional form of the verb 書く (kaku)?
   • Answer: 書こう (kakō)
2. Translate the following sentence into Japanese using ～うとした: "I was about to start studying when my friend came."
   • Answer: 勉強しようとしたときに友達が来た。
3. What is the main difference between ～うとした and ～うと思った?
   • Answer: ～うとした indicates an attempted action that wasn't completed, while ～うと思った expresses the speaker's thought or intention to do something.

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