GRAMMAR DETAIL
～ようとしない
Follows a verb expressing intention to show an unwillingness to attempt an action or a persistent refusal to do it.
Examples
彼は謝ろうとしないまま部屋を出た。
He left the room without making any attempt to apologize.
Words used
弟は理由を聞いても、何も話そうとしません。
Even when I ask him why, my younger brother refuses to say anything.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Add
としないto a verb's volitional form to express showing no willingness or attempt to act. - Basic usage:
彼は謝ろうとしないまま部屋を出た。describes him leaving without showing any willingness to apologize.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Negation and unwillingness
話さないstates that someone does not speak, while話そうとしないemphasizes unwillingness even to try. It also differs from the inability expressed by話せない.
- Whether an attempt succeeds
話そうとしたが、話せなかったdescribes trying but being unable to speak. Distinguish it from話そうとしなかった, where no attempt was made.