Grammar › N3 · 06 Purpose, decisions and verb endings

〜ようとする: try to; be about to

N3 · 06 Purpose, decisions and verb endings

Says someone is attempting or is on the verge of doing something.

Verb volitional form + とする. For intention: 起きようとする (trying to get up). For a moment just before: 家を出ようとしたとき (just as I was about to leave). The attempt may not succeed.

Examples

犬いぬが部屋へやから逃げ出にげだそうとしている。

The dog is trying to run away from the room.

電話を切でんわをきろうとしたとき、彼女かのじょが何なにか言いった。

Just as I was about to hang up, she said something.

Study 〜ようとする in the course →