JLPT N3 grammar
〜ようとしない — Meaning & Examples
Won't even try / refuses to. 息子は野菜を食べようとしない. Compare ようにする = making a habit of something.
Practice questions
Try this question on 〜ようとしない. Pick an answer in your head, then open “Show answer”.
1. 「息子は野菜を食べようとしない」 means?
- My son eats too many vegetables
- My son is about to eat vegetables
- My son tried vegetables once
- My son won't even try to eat vegetables
Show answer
Answer: My son won't even try to eat vegetables
〜ようとしない = won't even try / refuses to make the attempt.
Practise 〜ようとしない in the free app
This point is part of the “🕐 Occasions and Moments — たびに・ついでに・最中・ようとする” lesson in A Star Japanese. Study it with examples, a quiz, flashcards and timed JLPT N3 mock exams. Free on iPhone and Android.
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Related N3 grammar points
From the same lesson: 🕐 Occasions and Moments — たびに・ついでに・最中・ようとする
Frequently asked questions
What does 〜ようとしない mean?
Won't even try / refuses to. 息子は野菜を食べようとしない. Compare ようにする = making a habit of something.
Is 〜ようとしない on the JLPT N3 test?
〜ようとしない is taught in the JLPT N3 grammar course in A Star Japanese (lesson “🕐 Occasions and Moments — たびに・ついでに・最中・ようとする”), so it is a pattern learners at this level are expected to recognise. The JLPT does not publish an official grammar list, so treat this as a study guide rather than an official requirement.
How can I practise 〜ようとしない?
Open the “🕐 Occasions and Moments — たびに・ついでに・最中・ようとする” lesson in the free A Star Japanese app for iPhone and Android. It has examples, a quiz after every lesson, flashcards with spaced repetition and timed JLPT N3 mock exams, with no ads.