Structure
Verb［おう］ + としない
Details
Standard
About 〜ようとしない
Like ～ようと思う 'I think that I shall do (A)', ～ようとしない is a combination of a verb that has been grouped with the auxiliary verb う (or よう), followed by the case marking particle と, and then another verb. In this case, する. ～ようとしない is often translated as 'shall not (A)', but with emphasis on a lack of effort, or willingness.
Caution
As ～ようとしない implies a lack of effort, this expression is usually quite negative, and mostly refers to other people, rather than the speaker themselves. If ～ようとしない were used to refer to the speaker, it will come across as 'I shall not do (A)', which would sound very abrupt/potentially rude. If speaking about yourself, ようと思わない may be used instead, meaning 'I don't think I shall do (A)', or 'I think I shan't do (A)'.
Antonyms
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Examples
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彼女は好きな男を諦めようとしない。
She is not willing to give up on the man she likes.
皆に嫌われているのに、性格を変えようとしないの？
Even though you're disliked by everyone you won't try to change your personality?
こんなに天気がいいのに、うちの息子は外に出ようとしない。
Although it's nice outside, my son is not willing to go outside.
これだけ説明しても信じようとしないならもういいよ。
If you are not willing to believe me, even after I took the time to explain things to you, then so be it.
彼は現実を見ようとしない。逃げてばかりだ。
He is not willing to face (see) reality. He is just running from it.
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Japanese Test 4 You
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