Meaning
Used for a purpose when the result cannot be controlled directly, such as remembering, being able to do something, hearing, or not forgetting.
Formation
- ように follows an uncontrollable state — a potential form, ない, or a stative verb: 見えるように, 忘れないように
- The action that leads there comes next
When to use it
- Core use
- So that it turns out that way
Examples
20 sentences-
忘れないようにメモします
I make a note so that I will not forget.
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日本語が上手になるように毎日練習します
I practice every day so that my Japanese will improve.
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子どもでも読めるようにひらがなで書きました
I wrote it in hiragana so that even children can read it.
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風邪をひかないように暖かい服を着ます
I wear warm clothes so that I do not catch a cold.
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道に迷わないように地図をスマホに入れました
I put the map on my phone so that I would not get lost.
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みんなに聞こえるように少し大きい声で話しました
I spoke a little louder so that everyone could hear.
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電車に遅れないように早く家を出ます
I will leave home early so that I do not miss the train.
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誰でも分かるように図を使って説明しました
I used a diagram so that anyone could understand the explanation.
12 more examples
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赤ちゃんが起きないように静かに歩きました
I walked quietly so that the baby would not wake up.
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間違えないように答えを確認してください
Please check your answer so that you do not make a mistake.
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日本語の新聞が読めるように毎日漢字を勉強します
I study kanji every day so that I can read Japanese newspapers.
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一人で病院へ行けるように道を覚えます
I memorize the route so that I can go to the hospital on my own.
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遠くの字が見えるように眼鏡をかけます
I put on glasses so that I can see distant letters.
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みんなに声が聞こえるように大きな声で話します
I speak loudly so that I can be heard by everyone.
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駅の名前が言えるように何度も練習します
I practise many times so that I can say the station name.
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速く泳げるように毎週プールへ行きます
I go to the pool every week so that I can swim fast.
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日本語で注文できるようにメニューの言葉を覚えます
I learn the words on the menu so that I can order in Japanese.
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朝早く起きられるように夜は早く寝ます
I go to bed early so that I can get up early.
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自分で服が作れるように教室に通います
I attend classes so that I can make my own clothes.
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電車で学校に通えるように駅の近くへ引っ越します
I move closer to the station so that I can commute to school by train.
Important notes
- Different people may perform the action and benefit from the result: 子どもにも分かるように説明する.
Common mistakes
- A potential form takes ように: 読めるように, not 読めるために in this purpose pattern.
Check yourself
Pick the translation of each sentence. The wrong options translate similar patterns, so watch the grammar rather than the words.
Similar grammar
Hear it in podcasts
The pattern appears in these episodes. They open in the app with the transcript and translation.
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