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

Verb［る］(1) + ように + する

(1) Verb［ない］

Details

  • Register

    Standard

About ようにする

(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.

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)'.

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.

Antonyms

Related

Examples

--:--

    妻(つま)にばれないようにしてくれ！

    Try not to let my wife find out about it!

    予約(よやく)に間(ま)に合(あ)うようにしましょう。

    Let's try to be on time for the reservation.

    そのコップを落(お)とさないようにしてください。

    Please try not to drop that cup.

    あまり音(おと)が出(で)ないようにしてください。

    Please try not to make much noise.

    綺麗(きれい)に包(つつ)むようにします。

    I will try to wrap it beautifully.

  • Get more example sentences!

    Premium users get access to 12 example sentences on all Grammar Points.

Self-Study Sentences

Study your own way!

Add sentences and study them alongside Bunpro sentences.

ようにする – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (7 in total)

  • Pushindawood

    Pushindawood

    to try to
    to make sure that

    Structure

    • Verb + よう・に・する
    • Verb[ ない ] + よう・に・する

    targets end goals

    [to act in a way that brings about a particular outcome]

    View on Bunpro

  • ulurujamman

    ulurujamman

    For the example:

    途中迷わない_____ね

    What are the differences between ように、ようにして and ようにしてなさい? Can なさい ever be used in this construction?

  • Ambo100

    Ambo100

    There is a link to Wasabi: Other Usage of the Volitional Form: …（よ）うとする under readings, but should this not just be under ~ようとする instead?

  • Superpnut

    Superpnut

    医者いしゃ：「Bさんは高血圧こうけつあつなので、お菓子かしを避さけるようにした方ほうがいいですよ。」

    Doctor: Mr. B, because you have high blood pressure you should make sure to avoid sweets.

    A phrase that expresses attempting to do something in the manner of (A).

    Why is this sentence ようにした and not ようにして
    Why doesn’t た make it sound like “you should have (in the past) avoided sweets”
    Could someone please clear this up for me

  • mrthuvi

    mrthuvi

    ～た方がいい is a separate grammar point which means you should do something.

  • othesius

    othesius

    毎日()野菜()を食()べるようにしないといけない。

    I’m probably forgetting something really basic, but what’s with といけない at the end rather than しなくては?

  • IcyIceBear

    IcyIceBear

  • othesius

    othesius

    Ah yeah. Thanks so much!

Got questions about ようにする? Join us to discuss, ask, and learn together!

Join the Discussion