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

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

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the Japanese grammar point ～ようとしない (〜you to shinai). This expression is used to convey that someone does not try to or shows no intention of doing something. Understanding this structure will help you express observations about others' lack of action or unwillingness in various contexts.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The grammar point ～ようとしない is used to indicate that a person does not attempt or does not show signs of trying to perform a certain action. It often reflects the speaker's observation that someone is not making an effort to do something that is expected or anticipated.

Structure

To form this expression, combine the volitional form of a verb with としない. Structure:

Verb (Volitional Form) + としない

Formation Diagram

Verb Type	Plain Form	Volitional Form	～ようとしない Form
Godan Verbs	行く (iku)	行こう (ikō)	行こうとしない (ikō to shinai)
Ichidan Verbs	食べる (taberu)	食べよう (tabeyō)	食べようとしない (tabeyō to shinai)
Irregular Verbs	する (suru)	しよう (shiyō)	しようとしない (shiyō to shinai)
	来る (kuru)	来よう (koyō)	来ようとしない (koyō to shinai)

How to Form the Volitional Form

• Godan Verbs (五段動詞): Change the u sound to the corresponding ō sound.
  • 行く → 行こう (iku → ikō)
• Ichidan Verbs (一段動詞): Replace る with よう.
  • 食べる → 食べよう (taberu → tabeyō)
• Irregular Verbs:
  • する → しよう (suru → shiyō)
  • 来る → 来よう (kuru → koyō)

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

～ようとする

• Meaning: "To try to..." or "To attempt to..."
• Example: 彼は出かけようとする。(He tries to go out.)

～ないつもりだ

• Meaning: "Intend not to..." or "Plan not to..."
• Example: 彼は出かけないつもりだ。(He intends not to go out.)

Nuance Differences

• ～ようとしない implies an observational stance, highlighting that someone shows no signs of doing something, possibly contrary to expectations.
• ～ないつもりだ indicates a deliberate decision by the subject not to do something.

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 彼は宿題をしようとしない。
   • Kare wa shukudai o shiyō to shinai.
   • Translation: "He doesn't try to do his homework."
2. 彼女は話そうとしなかった。
   • Kanojo wa hanasō to shinakatta.
   • Translation: "She didn't try to speak."
3. 猫が帰ろうとしない。
   • Neko ga kaerō to shinai.
   • Translation: "The cat shows no sign of returning home."
4. 子供たちは寝ようとしません。
   • Kodomo-tachi wa neyō to shimasen.
   • Translation: "The children refuse to go to sleep."
5. 彼は真実を知ろうとしない。
   • Kare wa shinjitsu o shirō to shinai.
   • Translation: "He doesn't try to know the truth."

Context Variations

• Formal Speech:
  • 社長は計画を変えようとしませんでした。
    • The president showed no intention of changing the plan.
• Casual Conversation:
  • 彼女、手伝おうとしないね。
    • She doesn't try to help, does she?

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese society, direct confrontation is often avoided. Using ～ようとしない allows the speaker to subtly express concern or disappointment about someone's lack of action without being overtly confrontational.

Levels of Politeness

The base form しない is informal. To make it polite, use しません.

• Polite Form Example:
  • 彼は話そうとしません。
    • He doesn't try to speak.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 耳を貸そうとしない
  • Mimi o kasō to shinai
  • Meaning: "Not willing to listen (to others)."

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using the Negative Form Incorrectly
   • Incorrect: 彼は食べようとするない。
   • Correct: 彼は食べようとしない。
   • Explanation: The negative form しない should follow と, not するない.
2. Confusing with Potential Form
   • Incorrect: 彼は泳げようとしない。
   • Correct: 彼は泳ごうとしない。
   • Explanation: Use the volitional form, not the potential form.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device:
  • Think of よう (volitional form) as expressing intention, and としない as negating the attempt.
• Practice Tip:
  • Create sentences about daily observations where someone isn't trying to do something expected.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～ようとしない is used to express that someone is not trying or shows no intention of doing something.
• Formed by combining the volitional form of a verb with としない.
• Conveys an observation about someone's lack of action, often implying expectation.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form ～ようとしない with the verb 書く (kaku)?
   • Answer: 書こうとしない (kakō to shinai)
2. Translate into English:
   • 彼らは説明を聞こうとしなかった。
     • Answer: "They didn't try to listen to the explanation."
3. What is the difference between ～ようとしない and ～ようとする?
   • Answer: ～ようとしない means "doesn't try to..." whereas ～ようとする means "tries to..."

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By mastering ～ようとしない, you'll enhance your ability to express subtle nuances about intention and effort in Japanese, making your communication more precise and culturally appropriate.

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