Processing keyword: ～ように (〜you ni)

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

Grammar Point: ～ように (〜you ni)

1. Introduction

The expression ～ように is a versatile Japanese grammar point used to express various meanings, including purpose, hope, and requests. It is commonly seen in different contexts, making it a very useful structure in the Japanese language.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The expression ～ように has a couple of primary usages:

1. To Indicate Purpose: It can be used to express the purpose of an action.
   • Structure:
     • Verb (in the plain form) + ように
     • Example: 読むように (yomu you ni) - "so that [someone] can read"
2. To Express Hope or Desire: It is often used to convey a hope or wish concerning the subject.
   • Structure:
     • Verb (in the plain form) + ように + 願う (negau) / 祈る (inoru) / している (shite iru)
     • Example: 成功するように願っています (seikou suru you ni negatteimasu) - "I hope [that] [someone] will succeed"
3. To Make Requests: You can use it combined with verbs to express a request indirectly.
   • Structure:
     • Verb (in the plain form) + ように + お願いします (onegai shimasu)
     • Example: もっと勉強するようにお願いします (motto benkyou suru you ni onegaishimasu) - "Please study more."

Formation Diagram

Purpose:       Verb + ように  
Hope:          Verb + ように + 願う/祈る
Request:       Verb + ように + お願いします

3. Comparative Analysis

The grammar point ～ように is somewhat similar to:

1. ために (ために, tame ni): While both indicate purpose, ～ように is more about the outcome or hope of the action rather than just the purpose itself.
   • Example: 勉強するために (benkyou suru tame ni) - "in order to study" vs. 勉強するように (benkyou suru you ni) - "so that [I] can study."
2. ようだ/ようです (you da/you desu): This expresses resemblance or appearance but not purpose or hope.
   • Example: 雨が降りそうだ (ame ga furisou da) - "It seems that it's going to rain."

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Purpose:
   • 子供たちがサッカーを上手にできるように、練習しています。
   • (Kodomo-tachi ga sakka- wo jouzu ni dekiru you ni, renshuu shiteimasu.)
   • Translation: "I am practicing so that the kids can play soccer well."
2. Hope:
   • 彼が健康であるように願っています。
   • (Kare ga kenkou de aru you ni negatteimasu.)
   • Translation: "I hope that he will be healthy."
3. Request:
   • 静かにするようにしてください。
   • (Shizuka ni suru you ni shite kudasai.)
   • Translation: "Please be quiet."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Using ～ように is often more polite than being direct. It reflects the Japanese culture's emphasis on indirectness and consideration for others' feelings. Using this structure helps convey wishes and requests without imposing.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 成功するように (seikou suru you ni) - "I wish for success."
• もっと勉強するように (motto benkyou suru you ni) - "Please study more."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Incorrect Structure: Some learners may forget to use the verb in the plain form before appending ように.
  • Error: 日本語を話すようにいます。
  • Correction: 日本語を話すようにしています。

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that ように has a purpose-oriented feeling. You can think: "I act in a certain way (ように) for a specific reason."

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～ように is used to express purpose, hope, and requests.
• Understand the context to choose the right nuance.
• Politeness is intrinsic in the usage of this phrase.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How would you express: "I hope he can understand Japanese" using ように?
2. What is the difference between ～ように and ために?
3. Create a sentence using ように to make a request.

Feel free to ask further questions or seek clarification on any point!