N3126/219

〜ようとしない

V辞書形 + ようとしない (not intend to do ~)

Meanings

  • Not willing to
  • Not make an effort to
  • To not attempt or try to
  • Volitional + としない

About this pattern

Explanation

〜ようとしない expresses that someone is unwilling or refuses to try to do something. It focuses on the speaker's or another person's lack of effort or intent, often implying a spirit of resistance, apathy, or stubbornness. It is commonly used to describe actions that one could realistically attempt but does not attempt at all. This contrasts with 〜ようとする, which means to try or intend to do something.

Learn in context

Example sentences

彼は新しい仕事を見つけようとしない。

He won’t even try to find a new job.

私はダイエットを続けようとしない。

I don’t try to keep up with a diet.

子供は宿題を始めようとしない。

The child does not start working on homework.

彼女は私の提案を取り入れようとしない。

She won’t try to adopt my proposal.