様(よう)になるTo reach the point that, To come to be that, To turn into

When combined with the particle に, and the う-Verb なる, よう expresses that a particular action has reached the point of being completed/able to be completed. Because of this, ようになる is regularly translated as 'to reach the point that (A)', or 'to turn into (A)'.

To use ようになる, it will need to be added to the plain-potential, non-past form of a verb.

• 毎日(まいにち)、漢字(かんじ)の練習(れんしゅう)をすれば綺麗(きれい)に漢字(かんじ)を書(か)けるようになります。

  If you practice kanji everyday, you will reach the point where you can write them neatly.
• 早(はや)く走(はし)れるようになりたい。

  I want to reach the point where I can run faster.

Caution

When using this grammar construction, we will need to remember that する does not have a potential form. Therefore, できる will be used with words that usually act as する verbs.

• 髪(かみ)を綺麗(きれい)にカット出来(でき)るようになるのが夢(ゆめ)です。

  It is my dream to reach the point where I can cut my hair nicely.
• 自分(じぶん)から行動(こうどう)が出来(でき)るようになってください。

  Please turn into someone who can act on their own. (Please become more self sufficient)

However, ようになる is not limited to being used in affirmative sentences, and may also be used after a verb with ない. This shows that something has reached the point of 'not' being able to be completed.

• 来年(らいねん)から現金(げんきん)が使(つか)えないようになる。

  From next year, it will reach the point where you will not be able to use cash.(Starting next year, you will not be able to use cash)
• 来月(らいげつ)から会社(かいしゃ)で喫煙(きつえん)できないようになります。

  Starting next month, it will reach the point where you will not be able to smoke at the company. (Starting next month, smoking will be banned)