ようとする

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, 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 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:

• 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 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
• 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.
• 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, ようとしない. 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 changes the meaning.

Related grammar to review next

• てみる — because it is the closest comparison used in this article.
• ようとしない — because it helps contrast intention, attempt, and refusal to act.
• つもりで — because it helps contrast intention, attempt, and refusal to act.
• つもりだった — 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:

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• JLPT N3 grammar lessons