様に
So that, In order to, In such a way that
Structure
Verb［できる］(2) + ように + Phrase
(1) Verb［ない］
(2) Verb［できる］［ない］
Explanation
When used with verbs in their potential or negative forms, the auxiliary verb ようだ (specifically its adverbial form ように) conveys an effort to achieve a goal whose result is not guaranteed. This structure highlights that the speaker lacks full control over the final outcome. It is typically translated as 'so that...' or 'in order to...'.
To construct this grammar, ように is placed after the plain, non-past form of a verb. The verb can be in its negative form, its potential form, or its standard dictionary form.
- 大事なことを忘れないようにメモをします。I'll make a note so that I don't forget the important things.
- 遅刻しないように早く家を出ます。I leave the house early so that I won't be late.
- 漢字が読めるように、毎日アプリで勉強しています。I'm studying with an app every day so that I'll be able to read kanji.
- パソコンが使えるように、教室に通っています。I'm attending a class so that I can use a computer.
Keep in mind that する lacks a direct potential form, as discussed in our lesson on potential verbs. In these cases, できる is used as its equivalent.
- ゆっくり買い物ができるように、子供を両親に預けた。I left my child with my parents so that I could shop without being rushed.
- 予約が出来るように、レストランに電話をした。I called the restaurant in order to be able to make a reservation.
Examples
授業に遅刻しないように、いつもより早く家を出ました。
I left home earlier than usual so that I wouldn't be late for class.
みんなに聞こえるように、もっと大きな声で話してください。
Please speak in a louder voice so that everyone can hear you.
プレゼンテーションで失敗しないように、何回も練習した。
I practiced many times so that I wouldn't mess up the presentation.
明日の面接がうまくいくように、早く寝よう。
Let's go to bed early so that the interview tomorrow goes well.
森の中で虫に刺されないように、長袖のシャツを着た。
I wore a long-sleeved shirt so that I wouldn't get bitten by bugs in the forest.
新しいソフトをすぐに使えるように、マニュアルを読んでおきます。
I'll read the manual in advance so that I can use the new software right away.
先生は生徒たちに静かにするように言いました。
The teacher told the students to be quiet.
鍵をなくさないように、カバンにしっかり入れてください。
Please put the key securely in your bag so that you don't lose it.
雪道で転ばないように、気をつけて歩いた。
I walked carefully on the snowy road so that I wouldn't fall.
車が買えるように、一生懸命貯金しています。
I'm saving money diligently so that I can buy a car.
字が小さいので、みんなが読めるようにズームしました。
The text was small, so I zoomed in so that everyone could read it.
オンラインミーティングに参加できるように、パソコンのカメラを確認しておいた。
I checked my computer's camera in advance so that I would be able to participate in the online meeting.
夜遅くなので、隣の人に迷惑をかけないように、静かに歩いた。
Because it was late at night, I walked quietly so as not to disturb my neighbors.