様にする
To try to, To make sure to, To endeavor to
Structure
(1) Verb［ない］
Explanation
(A) ようにする is a Japanese grammar pattern that expresses a conscious effort to do something. It is formed by combining ようだ (in its adverbial form, ように) with the verb する. This structure highlights that the speaker is making a special effort to perform the action (A), which will always be a verb, often with the goal of making it a habit or achieving a certain state.
- 健康のために、毎日もっと野菜を食べるようにしています。For my health, I make a point of eating more vegetables every day.
- これからはもっと日本語で話すようにする。From now on, I will make an effort to speak in Japanese more.
Unsurprisingly, this pattern can also be attached to a negative verb. In this case, it means making a deliberate effort to avoid doing something. This is often translated as 'to make sure not to (A)' or 'to try and avoid (A)'.
- 父は「お酒を飲みすぎないようにする」と言いました。My dad said, 'I'll try not to drink too much.'
- 明日は早いから、夜更かししないようにする。I have to be up early tomorrow, so I'll make sure not to stay up late.
Fun Fact
The kanji for ようだ, which is 様, means 'manner' or 'way'. This gives ようにする the subtle feeling of 'doing things in a certain way'. Specifically, it implies doing the action in a way that leads toward a goal. A very literal interpretation would be 'to do in the manner of (A) being accomplished', which effectively just emphasizes the intention behind the action.
Examples
寝ている赤ちゃんを起こさないようにして！
Try not to wake up the sleeping baby!
もっと早く出発するようにしましょう。
Let's try to leave earlier.
この事は誰にも言わないようにしてください。
Please try not to tell anyone about this.
風邪をひかないようにしてください。
Please try not to catch a cold.
できるだけ早く返事するようにします。
I will try to reply as soon as possible.
お酒を飲みすぎないようにしてね。
Try not to drink too much alcohol.
来年から貯金するようにする。
I will try to start saving money from next year.
エレベーターじゃなくて、階段を使うようにしている。
I am always making sure to use the stairs instead of the elevator.
授業中に携帯をいじらないようにしましょう。
Let's try not to use our cell phones during class.
コーチ：「練習後は、ちゃんとストレッチをするようにした方がいいですよ。」
Coach: 'After practice, you should make sure to stretch properly.'
警官：「犯人が逃げられないようにした。」
Police Officer: 'I made sure that the criminal couldn't escape.'
健康のために、塩分を控えるようにしないといけない。
For your health, you have to try to reduce your salt intake.