う・よう + としない
Not willing to, Not make an effort to, To not attempt or try to, Volitional + としない
Structure
Explanation
Much like ～ようと思う ('I think I will do...'), the expression ～ようとしない is formed with a verb in its volitional form (using the auxiliary verb う or よう), followed by the case marking particle と and the verb する. In its negative form, ～ようとしない conveys that someone 'won't do (A)' or 'makes no effort to do (A)', placing emphasis on their lack of will or cooperation.
- 弟はゲームばかりして、宿題をしようとしない。My little brother does nothing but play video games and won't even try to do his homework.
- その犬は怖がって、箱から出ようとしない。The dog is frightened and refuses to come out of the box.
Caution
Because ～ようとしない strongly implies a lack of willingness, it has a negative nuance and is typically used to describe another person's behavior. Using this grammar for yourself would sound like a blunt refusal, such as 'I refuse to do (A)', which could be perceived as harsh. When talking about your own lack of intention, ようと思わない is a more appropriate and natural choice, meaning 'I don't intend to do (A)' or 'I'm not thinking of doing (A)'.
- 一人ではそこへ行こうと思わないが、友達と一緒なら行きたい。I don't think I'd go there alone, but I'd like to if I'm with friends.
- 今の仕事をやめようと思わない。I have no intention of quitting my current job.
Examples
あの子は親の言うことを聞こうとしない。
That child refuses to listen to what his parents say.
妹は何か怒っているようだが、理由を話そうとしない。
My little sister seems angry about something, but she won't talk about the reason why.
赤ちゃんは眠いはずなのに、ぜんぜん寝ようとしない。
The baby must be tired, but he just won't try to sleep.
兄は私が忙しそうにしていても、手伝おうとしない。
Even when I look busy, my older brother makes no effort to help.
彼は自分の間違いを分かっているのに、謝ろうとしない。
He knows he made a mistake, but he is unwilling to apologize.
あの人は他人の気持ちを理解しようとしない。
That person makes no attempt to understand other people's feelings.
うちの猫はこたつが気に入ったようで、そこから動こうとしない。
My cat seems to have taken a liking to the kotatsu and refuses to move from there.
息子は嫌いだからといって、野菜を食べようとしない。
My son says he dislikes vegetables and won't even try to eat them.
注意しても、彼はスマホをやめようとしない。
Even when I warn him, he won't try to stop using his smartphone.
警察が質問しているのに、彼は何も答えようとしない。
The police are asking him questions, but he refuses to answer anything.
彼女は過去の失敗をどうしても忘れようとしない。
No matter what, she won't let go of her past failures.
彼はもう大人なのに、働こうとしないでゲームばかりしている。
He's an adult now, but he just plays video games and makes no effort to work.