Grammar Info
N4 Lesson 9: 7/16

様(よう)にする
To try to, To make sure to, To endeavor to

Specifies end goals

Structure
Casual
Polite
Verb[る](1) + ように + する

(1) Verb[ない]
Verb[る](1) + ように + します

(1) Verb[ない]
Details
Register Standard
使用域 一般
Information
(A) ようにする is an expression in Japanese which combines the auxiliary verb ようだ, with する (indicating that you will 'try' to do something). As ようだ is being linked to the verb する, it will take on its adverbial form, ように. This structure emphasizes that the (A) action (always a verb) is something that the speaker is going out of their way to do, and implies effort.
  • 最近(さいきん)太(ふと)ってきので、毎日(まいにち)走(はし)ようにしています
    Recently, I have been gaining weight, so I try to run everyday.
  • 次(つぎ)試合(しあい)勝(か)てるようにする
    I will try to be able to win the next tournament.
Naturally, this structure may also be used with a negative verb, to imply that (A) being done is something that is actively being avoided. This translates as 'to make sure not to do (A)'.
  • 「空気(くうき)汚(よご)れので乗(の)り物(もの)に乗(の)らないようにする弟(おとうと)言(い)いました
    My brother said 'I try not to ride vehicles, because it pollutes the air'.
  • 成績(せいせき)悪(わる)から学校(がっこう)休(やす)まないようにする
    Because my grades are bad, I will try not to miss school.
Fun Fact
Because ようだ comes from the kanji 様(よう) 'manner', it carries the nuance that the 'way' that someone is doing (A) is specifically in a way that has success as the goal. Literally it translates quite closely to 'to do (A) in the manner of getting it done', and therefore just strengthens the (A) action, by using 'to do' twice.
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毎日(まいにち)野菜(やさい)食(た)べるようにしないといけない。
You have to try to eat vegetables every day.
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予約(よやく)に間(ま)に合(あ)ようにしましょう
Let's try to be on time for the reservation.
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そのコップ落(お)とさないようにしください。
Please try not to drop that cup.
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Books
Tobira
Page 72
みんなの日本語 II
Page 72 [CH 36]
Marugoto Elementary 2 (A2) Rikai
Page 140
Tae Kim's Japanese Grammar Guide
Page 132
[AIAIJ] An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese
Page 133
[DBJG] Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar
Page 562