「〜うとする」- Expressing Intention or Attempt

Explanation

「〜うとする」 is a Japanese grammatical structure used to express the intention or attempt to do something. It is formed by attaching the volitional form of a verb and indicates that someone is making an effort or trying to perform an action. This structure is often used to describe a state where someone is about to, planning to, or attempting to do something.

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
Verb Volitional Form + とする	Verb Volitional Form + とする	Expresses someone's intention or attempt to do something.

Basic Usage

• Connecting Volitional Verbs: Indicates that someone is about to, planning to, or attempting to do something.

Examples

• 彼かれは何なにか言いおうとしている。
• Kare wa nani ka iou to shiteiru.
• He is about to say something.
  

• 電車でんしゃが出発しゅっぱつしようとしている。
• Densha ga shuppatsu shiyou to shiteiru.
• The train is about to depart.
  

• 映画えいがが始はじまろうとしている。
• Eiga ga hajimarou to shiteiru.
• The movie is about to start.
  

Deep Dive

「〜うとする」 is versatile and commonly used in everyday conversations to describe actions that are about to happen or attempts to do something. For example:

• 出でかけようとした時とき、電話でんわがかかってきた。
• Dekakeyou to shita toki, denwa ga kakatte kita.
• Just as I was about to leave, the phone rang.
  

• 雨あめが降ふろうとしている。
• Ame ga furou to shiteiru.
• It's about to rain.
  

Comparison and Differences

「〜うと思う」 vs. 「〜うとする」

• 「〜うと思う」: Expresses the intention or plan to do something, often reflecting an internal thought or decision.
• 「〜うとする」: Emphasizes the action being about to happen or the attempt to do something.

Expression	Usage	Example	English Translation
〜うと思う	Internal intention or plan	明日あしたは早はやく起おきようと思おもう。	I plan to wake up early tomorrow.
〜うとする	Action about to happen or attempt	彼かれは早はやく起おきようとする。	He is about to wake up early.

Real-Life Scenarios

「〜うとする」 is frequently used in daily conversations to describe attempts or actions that are about to happen. Examples include:

• 彼かれが手伝てつだおうとしたが、間まに合あわなかった。
• Kare ga tetsudaou to shita ga, ma ni awanakatta.
• He tried to help, but it was too late.
  

• 鳥とりが飛とび立たとうとしている。
• Tori ga tobitatou to shiteiru.
• The bird is about to fly away.
  

• 彼女かのじょは泣なき出だそうとしている。
• Kanojo wa nakidasou to shiteiru.
• She is about to cry.
  

Cultural Context

In Japanese culture, the subtlety of expressing intentions is highly valued. Using 「〜うとする」 allows speakers to convey politeness and nuance, reflecting the Japanese emphasis on detail and the momentary state of actions.

Summary

「〜うとする」 is a common and practical grammar point used to describe intentions, attempts, or actions that are about to happen. By understanding and mastering this structure, you can express intentions and states more accurately, enhancing the fluency and naturalness of your Japanese conversations.