「〜ようにする」- Expressing Determination or Intention
Explanation
In Japanese, 〜ようにする is a common and important grammatical structure. Its primary meaning is "to make sure to..." or "to intend to...," expressing the speaker's determination or intention to do something. It is read as 「ようにする」, where 「よう」 indicates a certain manner or state, and 「にする」 means to decide or make an effort to do something.
Grammar Pattern
| Grammar Point | Connection | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 〜ようにする | Verb dictionary form + ようにする | Expresses the speaker's determination or intention to do something, emphasizing the resolve to take action. |
| 〜ようにする | Verb negative form + ないようにする | Expresses the speaker's determination or intention to avoid doing something, emphasizing the resolve to prevent a certain behavior. |
Basic Usage
〜ようにする is mainly used to express a determination to achieve a certain goal or state. It is often used to describe a new habit or a new resolution. This structure indicates that the speaker will take certain actions to ensure the realization of a specific outcome.
Examples
明 から6 時 に起 きるようにします。- Ashita kara roku-ji ni okiru you ni shimasu.
- Starting tomorrow, I will make sure to wake up at 6 a.m.
今 は手 が離 せませんが、終 わり次第 できるだけ早 く着 くようにします。- Ima wa te ga hanasemasen ga, owari shidai dekiru dake hayaku tsuku you ni shimasu.
- I can't leave right now, but I will make sure to arrive as soon as possible after finishing.
期 待 すると失 望 するから、初 めから期 待 しないようにしている。- Kitai suru to shitsubou suru kara, hajime kara kitai shinai you ni shiteiru.
- Since expecting leads to disappointment, I make sure not to expect anything from the beginning.
Deep Dive
〜ようにする not only expresses determination but also emphasizes the specific actions taken to achieve that determination. This structure is highly practical in daily life, suitable for setting personal goals or forming new habits.
Real-Life Scenarios
Using 〜ようにする in daily conversations, work plans, and personal goal-setting reflects the close connection between action and determination in Japanese.
Examples
- A：
最 近 、何 か新 しいことを始 めましたか？ - B：はい、
毎 日 運 動 するようにしています。 - A：それは
素 晴 らしいですね！どれくらい続 けていますか？ - B：もう
三 ヶ 月 になります。体 調 も良 くなりました。 - A：Saikin, nanika atarashii koto o hajimemashita ka?
- B：Hai, mainichi undou suru you ni shiteimasu.
- A：Sore wa subarashii desu ne! Dore kurai tsuzuketeimasu ka?
- B：Mou san-kagetsu ni narimasu. Taichou mo yoku narimashita.
- A：Have you started anything new recently?
- B：Yes, I’ve been making sure to exercise every day.
- A：That’s wonderful! How long have you been keeping it up?
- B：It’s been three months now, and my health has improved.
- A：
明 から早 起 きすることにしました。 - B：いいですね！
何 時 に起 きる予 定 ですか？ - A：
6 時 に起 きるようにします。 - A：Ashita kara hayaku okiru koto ni shimashita.
- B：Ii desu ne! Nan-ji ni okiru yotei desu ka?
- A：Roku-ji ni okiru you ni shimasu.
- A：I’ve decided to wake up early starting tomorrow.
- B：That’s great! What time do you plan to wake up?
- A：I’ll make sure to wake up at 6 a.m.
Summary
〜ようにする is a highly practical Japanese grammatical structure used to express determination, intention, and habits. By understanding its basic usage and how it differs from other grammar points, you can use this structure more accurately in daily conversations and writing.