GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜ようとする
Indicates an attempt to perform an action or the moment just before beginning it.
Examples
電車に乗ろうとしたとき、財布がないことに気づいた。
As I was about to board the train, I realized that my wallet was missing.
Words used
彼女は部屋を出ようとして、私の顔を見た。
She was about to leave the room when she looked at my face.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Add
とするto a verb's volitional form to express an attempt or the moment just before starting. - Basic usage:
電車に乗ろうとしたとき、財布がないことに気づいた。describes a discovery at the moment of attempting to board.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- An attempt and a completed action
乗ろうとしたdescribes an attempt to board, while乗ったstates that boarding occurred. The former alone does not report completion.
- An intention and the stage of action
出ようと思うpresents an intention to leave, while出ようとするpresents an attempt or the moment before leaving. Distinguish a thought from a scene of moving toward action.