to try to ~, to attempt to ~

Intermediate

20-25 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Expresses attempting an action.

[Verb volitional form] + とする

ドアを開けようとしたが、開かなかった。

Doa wo akeyou to shita ga, akanakatta.

I tried to open the door, but it wouldn't open.

彼は立とうとしている。

Kare wa tatou to shite iru.

He is trying to stand up.

Different from ～てみる which means "try doing to see what happens".

～てみる

to try doing ~

～てもいいです

may do ~, it's okay to do ~

～てはいけません

must not do ~, not allowed to do ~

～なければなりません

must do ~, have to do ~

～なくてもいいです

don't have to do ~, don't need to do ~

Often used when attempt fails or is ongoing.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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