Processing keyword: ～ますように (〜masu you ni)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～ますように (〜masu you ni)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ～ますように (〜masu you ni). This expression is commonly used to convey wishes or hopes in a polite and formal manner. Whether you're wishing for good health, success, or favorable weather, ～ますように is an essential structure to express your desires.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

～ますように is used to express a hope or wish that something will happen. It translates to "I hope that..." or "May it be that..." in English.

Structure

Formation

To form ～ますように, follow these steps:

1. Take the verb's ます-form (polite present/future tense).
2. Add ように directly after the ます-form.

Diagram

[Verb in ます-form] + ように
Example:
行きます + ように → 行きますように

Examples of Verb Forms

Verb (Dictionary Form)	ます-Form	+ ように	Meaning
食べる (taberu)	食べます	食べますように	I hope (someone) eats
会う (au)	会います	会いますように	I hope to meet
合格する (gōkaku suru)	合格します	合格しますように	I hope to pass (an exam)

3. Comparative Analysis

～ますように vs. ～たいです

• ～ますように: Expresses a wish or hope that something happens, often used for things beyond one's control.
  • Example: 雨が止みますように。 (I hope the rain stops.)
• ～たいです: Indicates the speaker's desire to do something.
  • Example: 雨が止むのを見たいです。 (I want to see the rain stop.)

～ますように vs. ～ますようにと願う

• ～ますように: A straightforward way to express hope.
• ～ますようにと願う: Adds emphasis by including "to pray/wish," making it explicit.
  • Example: 彼が早く良くなりますようにと願っています。 (I am praying that he gets well soon.)

4. Examples in Context

Example 1: Formal Setting

願い事が叶いますように。
Negai goto ga kanaimasu yō ni.
"I hope your wishes come true."

Example 2: Wishing for Someone's Success

あなたが試験に合格しますように。
Anata ga shiken ni gōkaku shimasu yō ni.
"I hope you pass the exam."

Example 3: Personal Hope

明日は雨が降りませんように。
Ashita wa ame ga furimasen yō ni.
"I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow."

Example 4: Expressing Concern

両親が元気でありますように。
Ryōshin ga genki de arimasu yō ni.
"I hope my parents stay healthy."

Example 5: Casual Conversation

試合に勝てますように！
Shiai ni katemasu yō ni!
"I hope we win the game!"

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Use in Prayers and Wishes: At Japanese shrines and temples, people often write their wishes on wooden plaques called ema using ～ますように to express their hopes.
• Politeness Level: The use of the ます-form adds a level of politeness, making it suitable for both formal and informal situations when expressing sincere wishes.

Idiomatic Expressions

• お幸せになりますように。
  "I wish you happiness."
• 世界が平和になりますように。
  "May the world be at peace."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

Mistake 1: Using Plain Form Instead of ます-Form

• Incorrect: 合格するように。
• Correct: 合格しますように。
• Tip: Always use the ます-form before adding ように to maintain politeness and correct structure.

Mistake 2: Confusing with 〜ように Meaning "So That"

• Example: 忘れないようにメモします。
  Here, ように means "so that," not expressing a wish.
• Tip: Remember that ～ますように (with ます-form) expresses a hope or wish, while 〜ように can mean "so that" when used with plain verbs.

Learning Strategies

• Associations: Link ますように with making wishes or praying, as it's often used in those contexts.
• Practice with Common Phrases: Memorize set expressions like 健康でありますように ("I hope you stay healthy") to become familiar with the structure.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～ますように is used to express hopes or wishes politely.
• Formed by adding ように to the ます-form of a verb.
• Commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese, especially in formal contexts.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form ～ますように with the verb できます (can do)?
2. Translate to Japanese: "I hope you get well soon."
3. True or False: ～ますように can be used with the plain form of verbs.

Answers

1. できますように
2. 早く良くなりますように。 (Hayaku yokunarimasu yō ni.)
3. False. You should use the ます-form, not the plain form.

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