様になる
To reach the point that, To come to be that, To turn into
Structure
(1) Verb［ない］、Verb［る］
Explanation
The pattern ようになる is formed by combining よう, the particle に, and the verb なる. It signifies a change over time, indicating that someone has finally become able to do something, or that a situation has changed to a new state. For this reason, ようになる is often translated as 'to become able to (do A)', or 'to get to the point where (A) happens'.
To form this grammar point, you attach ようになる to the dictionary form of a potential verb.
- たくさん練習すれば、おいしい料理が作れるようになります。If you practice a lot, you'll get to the point where you can make delicious food.
- 日本のニュースが分かるようになりたい。I want to become able to understand Japanese news.
Caution
It is important to note that the verb する has no potential form. In its place, you must use できる when working with verbs that are typically paired with する.
- 今年、車の運転が出来るようになるのが目標です。My goal is to get to the point where I can drive a car this year.
- 一人で勉強が出来るようになってください。Please become able to study on your own. (Please learn to be more independent with your studies)
ようになる is not just for positive sentences; it can also follow the plain negative form of a verb (ない-form). This usage expresses that something has changed to a state where it can no longer be done.
- 手術の後、しばらく辛いものが食べられないようになります。After the surgery, I won't be able to eat spicy food for a while.
- 明日から、この部屋ではスマホが利用できないようになります。Starting tomorrow, you will no longer be able to use your smartphone in this room. (Starting tomorrow, smartphone use will be prohibited)
Examples
毎日練習すれば、ピアノが弾けるようになる。
If you practice every day, then you will reach a point where you can play the piano.
自転車に乗れるようになった。
I reached the point that I was able to ride a bicycle.
漢字が読めるようになった。
I reached the point that I could read kanji.
車の運転ができるようになりたい。
I want to reach a point where I can drive a car.
ベンチプレスで１００キロ上げられるようになった。
I reached the point that I could lift 100 kilos on the bench press.
そう考えるようになったが、今はもう違う。
I reached the point that I would think that way, but now it's different.
以前は朝が苦手だったけど、早く起きられるようになった。
Before, I was not a morning person, but I have reached the point where I can wake up early.
彼はとても内気だったが、皆の前で話せるようになった。
Even though he was very shy, he reached the point that he could speak in front of everyone.
前はだめでしたが、ブラックコーヒーが飲めるようになった。
Before, I couldn't, but I reached the point that I can drink black coffee.
最近、本を読むのが楽しめるようになってきた。
Recently, I've reached the point where I can enjoy reading books.
毎日ジョギングをしたから、フルマラソンを完走できるようになった。
I jogged every day, so I reached the point that I could complete a full marathon.
健康のために、毎日自分でお弁当を作るようになった。
For my health, I have come to the point of making my own boxed lunch every day.