Structure
Verb［る］(1) + ように + Phrase
Verb［できる］(2) + ように + Phrase
(1) Verb［ない］
(2) Verb［できる］［ない］
Details
Register
Standard
About ように
When partnered with verbs in the potential form, or in the negative form, the auxiliary verb ようだ (in its adverbial form ように) implies that the speaker has a lack of direct control over an outcome, and therefore is 'trying to do (B) in the manner of (A)', but cannot guarantee the result. This grammar point is usually translated as 'to do (A) in such a way that will enable (B)', or 'in order to allow (B)'.
To use ように in this way, simply add it to the non-past form of any verb in its negative, potential, or standard conjugation.
As mentioned in our lesson about potential verbs, する does not actually have a potential form, and therefore できる will be used instead.
Synonyms
如何
Depending on
Not studied yet
ようにいう
To tell, request, or order to do (in such a way)
Not studied yet
ように～てほしい
Want ~ to ~ like ~, Want ~ to be able to ~, Want ~ to ~ in the way of ~
Not studied yet
ようになる
To reach the point that, To come to be that, To turn into
Not studied yet
ようにいのる
Pray that/for, Hope that/for, Keep fingers crossed that
Not studied yet
ようにする
To try to, To make sure to, To endeavor to
Not studied yet
れる・られる + ままに
Do as (one is told or ordered…), In accordance with, In compliance with, Just like
Not studied yet
Examples
--:--
Get more example sentences!
Premium users get access to 12 example sentences on all Grammar Points.
例えば風邪を引かないように、暖かい服装をする。
For example, I wear warm clothes so that I won't catch a cold.
彼が理解出来るように説明しようと思っている。
I plan to explain it in such a way that he will be able to understand.
大事なことを忘れないようにいつもメモをしている。
I always take notes so that I won't forget important things.
間に合うように数分早く出るつもりだ。
I plan to leave a few minutes earlier so that I will be on time.
太陽に目がくらまないように、スキーヤーはゴーグルをかけています。
The skiiers wear goggles so that they won't be blinded (disoriented) by the sun.
Self-Study Sentences
Study your own way!
Add sentences and study them alongside Bunpro sentences.
Online
How to express aims
Wasabi
How to use 〜よう
Maggie Sensei
Additional breakdown and examples
JapaneseTest4You
All uses of ように listed and explained
BriefJapanese
Offline
Tobira
Page 91
[DBJG] A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar
Page 553
[AIAIJ] An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese
Page 170
Minna no Nihongo II Main Textbook (beginner)
Chapter 36 Page 91
Minna no Nihongo English Translation and Grammatical Notes
Chapter 36 Page 68
Track Resources!
Bunpro tracks all of the resources you’ve visited, and offers relevant bookmarks of physical books to help with offline tracking.
ように – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (5 in total)
Ambo100
AIAJ has this pattern which I found most helpful in understanding the structure.
‘X のように Y’ means ‘Y so that X’
Howl_UK
Link to Misa’s video for this grammar point.
Howl_UK
I just watched this as well. I think I prefer her to Misa actually. She is amazingly clear and thorough.
Got questions about ように? Join us to discuss, ask, and learn together!
Join the Discussion