Grammar Info

N3 Lesson 6: 17/24

う・よう + としないNot willing to, Not make an effort to, To not attempt or try to, Volitional + としない

Structure

Verb［おう］ + としない

Details

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About 〜ようとしない

Like ～ようと思う 'I think that I shall do (A)', ～ようとしない is a combination of a verb that has been grouped with the auxiliary verb う (or よう), followed by the case marking particle と, and then another verb. In this case, する. ～ようとしない is often translated as 'shall not (A)', but with emphasis on a lack of effort, or willingness.

Caution

As ～ようとしない implies a lack of effort, this expression is usually quite negative, and mostly refers to other people, rather than the speaker themselves. If ～ようとしない were used to refer to the speaker, it will come across as 'I shall not do (A)', which would sound very abrupt/potentially rude. If speaking about yourself, ようと思(おも)わない may be used instead, meaning 'I don't think I shall do (A)', or 'I think I shan't do (A)'.

  • 自分(じぶん)から買(か)って食(た)べようと思(おも)わないけど、誰(だれ)かに貰(もら)ったら食(た)べるかも。
    I don't think I would eat it if I had to buy it myself, but I might if someone gave it to me.
  • 私(わたし)は性格(せいかく)を変(か)えようと思(おも)わない。
    I think I shan't change my personality.

Examples

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    彼女(かのじょ)は好(す)きな男(おとこ)を諦(あきら)めようとしない。

    She is not willing to give up on the man she likes.

    皆(みんな)に嫌(きら)われているのに、性格(せいかく)を変(か)えようとしないの？

    Even though you're disliked by everyone you won't try to change your personality?

    こんなに天気(てんき)がいいのに、うちの息子(むすこ)は外(そと)に出(で)ようとしない。

    Although it's nice outside, my son is not willing to go outside.

    これだけ説明(せつめい)しても信(しん)じようとしないならもういいよ。

    If you are not willing to believe me, even after I took the time to explain things to you, then so be it.

    彼(かれ)は現実(げんじつ)を見(み)ようとしない。逃(に)げてばかりだ。

    He is not willing to face (see) reality. He is just running from it.

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