Processing keyword: Verb ようにする (Verb ~you ni suru)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb ようにする (Verb ~you ni suru)

Verb ようにする (Verb ~you ni suru)

1. Introduction

The expression ようにする (you ni suru) is commonly used in Japanese to indicate making an effort to do something or trying to do something. It expresses intention or a decision to carry out a certain action on a regular basis.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

ようにする (you ni suru) consists of two parts:

• ように (you ni): This can be thought of as "in order to" or "to the state of" something.
• する (suru): This means "to do."

Meaning and Structure

When combined, ようにする conveys the idea of making an effort or taking action to achieve a goal or to change a habit.

Formation Diagram

[Verb (dictionary form)] + ようにする

• Examples:
  • 食べる (taberu - to eat) → 食べるようにする (taberu you ni suru - to make an effort to eat)
  • 努力する (doryoku suru - to strive) → 努力するようにする (doryoku suru you ni suru - to make an effort to strive)

3. Comparative Analysis

• ようにする (you ni suru) vs. ように (you ni)
  • ように: Indicates purpose (e.g., 勉強するようにする - benkyou suru you ni suru - "so that I study").
  • ようにする emphasizes the action of making a conscious effort (e.g., 毎日運動するようにする - mainichi undou suru you ni suru - "I make it a point to exercise daily").
• ようにする (you ni suru) vs. ようとする (you to suru)
  • ようとする indicates an attempt to do something (e.g., 行こうとする - ikou to suru - "I try to go"), whereas ようにする indicates the habitual effort to do something (e.g., 行くようにする - iku you ni suru - "I make an effort to go").

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   健康のために、毎日運動するようにしています。
   • (Kenkou no tame ni, mainichi undou suru you ni shiteimasu.)
     "For my health, I am making an effort to exercise every day."
2. Informal:
   もっと早く起きるようにしてる。
   • (Motto hayaku okiru you ni shiteru.)
     "I’m trying to wake up earlier."
3. Written:
   社会人として、ドキュメントを定期的に提出するように心がけています。
   • (Shakaijin to shite, dokyumento wo teikiteki ni teishutsu suru you ni kokorogaketeimasu.)
     "As a working professional, I am making a conscious effort to submit documents regularly."
4. Spoken:
   もっと日本語を勉強するようにしてるよ。
   • (Motto Nihongo wo benkyou suru you ni shiteru yo.)
     "I’m trying to study more Japanese."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

The expression ようにする (you ni suru) reflects the Japanese value of perseverance and self-improvement. It is common in conversations about personal goals, health, and other habits.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Verb forms can vary based on formality (e.g., using する vs. します), and it’s essential to choose the appropriate level based on the context and your audience.

Idiomatic Expressions

• "努力する" (doryoku suru) translates to "make an effort," often used alongside ようにする to emphasize the significance of trying.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Using the verb in the negative form before ようにする incorrectly (e.g., 食べないようにする).
• Correction: Explain the intention with more context (e.g. 食べないようにする means "to make an effort not to eat").

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Tip: Remember that ようにする reflects a "conscious effort" not just an intention. Visualize a checklist of habits to reinforce the concept.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ようにする (you ni suru) indicates a conscious effort to do something.
• The structure combines a verb in its dictionary form with ようにする.
• Use in various contexts to express habitual actions or goals.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ようにする focus on in terms of action?
2. How would you express the effort to learn more Japanese using ようにする?
3. Provide the translation for: "I am trying to eat healthier." Answers:
4. Making a conscious effort.
5. 日本語をもっと勉強するようにしています (Nihongo wo motto benkyou suru you ni shiteimasu).
6. 健康的に食べるようにしています (Kenkou-teki ni taberu you ni shiteimasu).