Grammar Info

N3 Lesson 6: 17/24

う・よう + としないNot willing to, Not make an effort to, To not attempt or try to, Volitional + としない

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(おも)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



Examples

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  • 彼女(かのじょ)()きな(おとこ)(あきら)めようとしない

    She is not willing to give up on the man she likes.

  • (みんな)(きら)われているのに、性格(せいかく)()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(てんき)がいいのに、うちの息子(むすこ)(そと)()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(せつめい)しても(しん)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.

  • (かれ)現実(げんじつ)()ようとしない()げてばかりだ。

    He is not willing to face (see) reality. He is just running from it.

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