JLPT N3 Grammar (you to suru)

Meaning

try to; attempt to; be about to ~

How to use

Verb (volitional form)とする
とした
としたら
としていた
you to suru ようとする jlpt n3 grammar meaning 文法 例文 japanese flashcards

Learn Japanese grammar: (you to suru). Meaning: try to; attempt to; be about to ~.

This is used to express that one was just about to (attempt to) do something, and it may be conjugated normally to express different meanings:

  • ようとした (you to shita) = just when I did~.
  • ようとしたら (you to shitara) = when I tried to~.
  • ようとしていた (you to shiteita) = as I was attempting to~.

This must be used in combination with a verb’s .


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- Example Sentences

Each example sentence includes a Japanese hint, the romaji reading, and the English translation.

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Example #1

ドアをあけようとしたが、かぎがかかっていました。
doa o akeyou to shita ga, kagi ga kakatte imashita.
I tried opening the door, but it was locked.
Example #2

おふろにはいろうとしたら、でんわがかかってきた。
ofuro ni hairou to shitara, denwa ga kakatte kita.
Just as I was about to take a bath, the phone rang.
Example #3

かいしゃからまさにでようとしたとき、あめがふってきた。
kaisha kara masa ni deyou to shita toki, ame ga futte kita.
Right when I was trying to leave work, it started to rain.
Example #4

でんしゃにのろうとしたときにドアがしまってのれなかった。
densha ni norou toshita toki ni doa ga shimatte norenakatta.
As I was about to get on the train, the doors suddenly shut and I wasn't able to get on..
Example #5

シャワーをあびようとしたが、みずがでなかった。
shawaa o abiyou toshita ga, mizu ga denakatta.
I was about to take a shower, but no water would come out.
Example #6

わたしは5じはんにかえろうとしたら、じょうしによばれてしまいました。
watashi wa go ji han ni kaerou to shitara, joushi ni yobarete shimai mashita.
I was ready to head home at 5:30, but was suddenly called in by my boss.
Example #7

タクシーをおりようとしたとき、さいふがないことにきがついた。
takushii o oriyou to shita toki, saifu ga nai koto ni ki ga tsuita.
Just as I was getting out of the taxi I noticed my wallet was missing.
Example #8

ゲームをしようとしたら、おやがかえってきて、けっきょくできなかった。
geemu o shiyou to shitara, oya ga kaette kite, kekkyoku dekinakata.
Just as I was about to play a game, my parents arrived home and I wasn't able to play anymore.
Example #9

おばあさんがみちをわたろうとしていたから、てつだってあげた。
obaasan ga michi o watarou to shiteita kara, tetsudatte ageta.
The old lady was just about to cross the street and so I helped her out.

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