Japanese grammar
What does ～ように (purpose) mean? Japanese grammar N4
～ように (purpose) means so that ~, in order to be able to ~.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N4 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vる／Vない + ように V (potential) + ように |
| Romaji | ~ yō ni |
| Meaning | so that ~, in order to be able to ~ |
How to use it
States a goal that is an ability, state, or result the subject doesn't directly control.
- ように is used when the goal is "achieving a state": being able to understand, hear, not forget, be on time. Before ように is usually a potential verb, a non-volitional verb, or the negative form.
- Unlike ために, the two clauses can have different subjects, and the first clause doesn't need to be a volitional action. 母は子どもが読めるように大きく書いた is an example with two different subjects.
Examples
日本語のニュースが分かるように、毎日勉強しています。
I study every day so that I can understand Japanese news.
忘れないように、予定を手帳に書きました。
I wrote the schedule in my planner so that I would not forget.
後ろの席からも見えるように、字を大きく書いた。
I wrote in large letters so that people in the back could see too.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong日本へ旅行するように、お金をためています。
Correct日本へ旅行するために、お金をためています。
旅行する is a directly volitional action, so ために should be used for the purpose. ように suits ability/state like 旅行できるように.
-
Wrong日本へ行くように、お金をためています。
I'm saving money to go to Japan.
Correct日本へ行くために、お金をためています。
The volitional verb 「行く」 must use 「ために」.
-
Wrong忘れなくように、メモした。
I wrote a note so I wouldn't forget.
Correct忘れないように、メモした。
The negative form is 「ないように」.
Exam tips
- If a potential form or ない (to avoid something) precedes the blank, prefer ように.