Kotomora
JLPT N4Construction
Furigana

ようにSo that; toward a desired result

ように marks a result or state that you want an action to help achieve or prevent. It is especially common with potential verbs, negative verbs, and results that cannot be controlled directly.

Focus on the result

The clause before the target describes the hoped-for result. The clause after it gives the action or measure intended to make that result more likely. The result does not have to be something the actor can directly command; being able to do something, noticing something, or avoiding an accident are all natural targets.

Typical goals

Notice how each main action is a realistic step toward the result.

かんめるようにまいにちすこしずつれんしゅうしています。

I practice a little every day so that I can read kanji.

Analyze

あさぼうしないようにまし時計どけいふたつセットしました。

I set two alarm clocks so that I would not oversleep.

Analyze

かいじょううしろでもこえるように、マイクのおんりょうげました。

We turned up the microphone so that it could be heard at the back of the venue too.

Analyze

The two clauses can have different subjects

The person or thing that experiences the result may differ from the person or organization taking action. When they differ, state both clearly if the context does not already identify them.

どもたちがあんぜんあそべるようにこうえんふるゆうこうかんしました。

The city replaced the old playground equipment so that children could play safely.

Analyze

The children experience the desired result, while the city takes the action.

In conversation

A

このりょうすこちいさいですね。

The print in this handout is a little small, isn't it?

Analyze
B

みんながめるように、もっとおおきくいんさつします。

I'll print it larger so that everyone can read it.

Analyze

Result-oriented and directly intended purposes

ように foregrounds a result to reach or avoid, so it fits potential, negative, and non-volitional verbs especially well. ために presents an intentional goal more directly and is favored when the actor deliberately carries out the goal action.

日本にほんりゅうがくするために、おかねをためています。

I am saving money in order to study abroad in Japan.

Analyze

Here, studying abroad is presented as the speaker's directly intended goal.

More examples

かいおくれないようにじゅうぶんはやいえました。

I left home well in advance so that I would not be late for the meeting.

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とりまどにぶつからないように、ガラスにじるしりました。

I put markers on the glass so that birds would not fly into the window.

Analyze

ぜんいんめんられるようにえましょう。

Let's move the chairs so that everyone can see the screen.

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だいてんわすれないよう、ノートにまとめておきました。

I summarized the important points in my notebook so that I would not forget them.

Analyze

きんきゅうにもぐちつけられるようにあかるいあんないばんせっしました。

We installed bright signs so that the exits could be found even in an emergency.

Analyze

さいながちするようにれいぞうおん調ちょうせいしました。

I adjusted the refrigerator temperature so that the vegetables would keep longer.

Analyze