# ようとする: try to; be about to

> Learn how to use ようとする, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning try to; be about to, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N3 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n3-you-to-suru/

**ようとする** means **try to; be about to**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **show an attempt or an action just about to happen**.

This grammar point often appears in **neutral** Japanese. If you want to **show an attempt or an action just about to happen**, **ようとする** is a useful pattern to learn.

## What does ようとする mean?

Use **ようとする** when you want to **show an attempt or an action just about to happen**.

Natural translations include:
- try to; be about to
- try to
- try to / be about to

## How to form ようとする

Verb volitional form + とする

Examples of the pattern:
- 開けようとする
- 出かけようとする
- 説明しようとする

## When is ようとする used?

Use **ようとする** in situations like:
- explaining grammar in context
- answering JLPT reading questions
- making natural Japanese sentences

Tone and register:
- neutral
- Common in JLPT reading, grammar questions, and natural Japanese sentences

## ようとする example sentences

- ドアを開けようとしたが、開かなかった。 — I tried to open the door, but it would not open.
- 出かけようとしたとき、電話が鳴った。 — Just as I was about to go out, the phone rang.
- 彼は問題を一人で解決しようとしている。 — He is trying to solve the problem by himself.
- 猫が箱に入ろうとしている。 — The cat is trying to get into the box.
- 説明しようとしたが、言葉が出なかった。 — I tried to explain, but the words would not come out.

## Nuance of ようとする

The key nuance is **a natural way to express “try to; be about to” with the right context and tone**.

This matters because **ようとする** does more than match a single English phrase. It shows how the speaker frames the reason, comparison, intention, impossibility, distribution, or expected conclusion in the sentence.

For example:
- In context, it sounds natural when the surrounding sentence supports the nuance.
- Compared with **[てみる](/blog/n4-te-miru/)**, it has a different focus and level of formality.

## ようとする vs てみる

Both **ようとする** and **[てみる](/blog/n4-te-miru/)** can appear in related situations, but they are different.

**ようとする**:
- means **try to; be about to**
- fits the specific N3 pattern and nuance explained above

**[てみる](/blog/n4-te-miru/)**:
- てみる means try doing as an experiment; ようとする emphasizes an attempt or being about to act

Quick contrast examples:
- Target: ドアを開けようとしたが、開かなかった。 — I tried to open the door, but it would not open.
- Compare: Try replacing it with **[てみる](/blog/n4-te-miru/)** and check whether the nuance still matches.

## Common mistakes with ようとする

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using **ようとする** with the wrong form
- Confusing **ようとする** with **[てみる](/blog/n4-te-miru/)**
- Translating it too literally instead of reading the whole sentence

## Is ようとする on the JLPT?

Yes. **ようとする** is commonly taught as **JLPT N3** grammar.

That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences

## Practice questions for ようとする

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one sentence using **ようとする**.
- Contrast **ようとする** with **[てみる](/blog/n4-te-miru/)**.
- Make a JLPT-style sentence where the context makes the meaning clear.

## Learning path for ようとする

To learn **ようとする** efficiently, review volitional forms first, then contrast intention, attempt, refusal, and plans that changed.

1. First, make sure you can form **ようとする** without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with [てみる](/blog/n4-te-miru/), [ようとしない](/blog/n3-you-to-shinai/). These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance.
3. Finally, write sentences about trying, being about to do something, or deciding not to act; then check whether replacing **ようとする** with [つもりで](/blog/n3-tsumori-de/) changes the meaning.

## Related grammar to review next

- [てみる](/blog/n4-te-miru/) — because it is the closest comparison used in this article.
- [ようとしない](/blog/n3-you-to-shinai/) — because it helps contrast intention, attempt, and refusal to act.
- [つもりで](/blog/n3-tsumori-de/) — because it helps contrast intention, attempt, and refusal to act.
- [つもりだった](/blog/n3-tsumori-datta/) — because it helps contrast intention, attempt, and refusal to act.

## Learn ようとする with Hane

If you want to review **ようとする** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:
- [All grammar lessons](/blog/)
- [JLPT N3 grammar lessons](/blog/n3/)