Processing keyword: ～ようとしない (〜you to shinai)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～ようとしない (〜you to shinai)

Grammar Point: ～ようとしない (〜you to shinai)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～ようとしない expresses the unwillingness or reluctance to do something. It indicates that someone does not even make an attempt to do something, highlighting a lack of motivation or intention.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Structure:
  • The basic structure of this grammar point combines the verb in its "よう" form with "としない."
  • Formation:
    • Take the verb in its dictionary form (the plain form) and convert it into its "you" form (よう) by changing the verb's ending.
    • Attach "としない" to emphasize the refusal to attempt.

Meaning:

• It typically translates to "does not even try to..." or "does not attempt to..." in English.

Structure Diagram:

[Verb (dictionary form)] + よう + としない

Visual Aids:

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points:

• 〜たがらない (〜tagaranai): Indicates that someone does not want to do something (desire).

  • Example: 食べたがらない (does not want to eat).

• 〜ようとしない (〜you to shinai) focuses purely on the lack of effort or attempt, while 〜たがらない (〜tagaranai) emphasizes the person's desire or wish not to do something.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples:

1. Formal:
   • 彼は問題を解決しようとしない。
     (Kare wa mondai o kaiketsu shiyou to shinai.)
   • He does not even try to solve the problem.
2. Informal:
   • 友達は遊びに行こうとしない。
     (Tomodachi wa asobi ni ikou to shinai.)
   • My friend doesn’t even try to go out and play.
3. Written:
   • 彼女は新しいことを学ぼうとしない。
     (Kanojo wa atarashii koto o manabou to shinai.)
   • She does not even attempt to learn new things.
4. Spoken:
   • そんなことをやろうとしないで。
     (Sonna koto o yarou to shinaide.)
   • Don’t even try to do that kind of thing.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance:

• This grammar point often reflects cultural norms emphasizing effort and perseverance. In Japanese culture, making attempts, even when facing difficulties, is valued. Expressing that someone does not try may carry a negative connotation, indicating a lack of effort or concern.

Idiomatic Expressions:

• There are no widely recognized idiomatic expressions using this particular grammar, but you may hear phrases reflecting sentiments of resignation or apathy.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis:

• A common error is confusing this structure with the desire form (たがる). Remember that ～ようとしない focuses on action and attempts, while ～たがらない concerns desire.

Learning Strategies:

• To remember, think of ようとしない as "not even trying." Associating visuals of someone lazily ignoring tasks can also help solidify the meaning.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways:

• Meaning: Expresses the unwillingness or refusal to attempt an action.
• Structure: [Verb (dictionary form)] + よう + としない
• Usage: Highlights a lack of action without concern for outcome.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ～ようとしない mean?
2. What is the correct form of the verb "to eat" in the structure ～ようとしない?
3. How is ～ようとしない different from ～たがらない?