Grammar › Purpose & Perspective
〜ように — “so that” (a goal for a state you don't control)
Wishing/aiming for an outcome: 聞こえるように大きな声で話す — speak loudly so (it) can be heard
Dictionary or negative form of a non-volitional verb (can/can't happen, potential forms, verbs like 分かる/聞こえる/治る) + ように sets a goal to aim for. It's also used after 言う/頼む to relay an instruction, and stands in for a wish after 祈る/願う.
How to form it
| Pattern | Example |
|---|---|
| Non-volitional verb + ように | 聞こえるように、大きな声で話した — spoke loudly so it could be heard |
| Negative + ように | 忘れないように、メモした — I wrote a note so I wouldn't forget |
Example sentences
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 後ろの人にも聞こえるように、大きな声で話してください。 | うしろのひとにもきこえるように、おおきなこえではなしてください。 ushironohitonimokikoeruyouni、ookinakoedehanashitekudasai。 | Please speak loudly so the people in the back can hear too. |
| 遅刻しないように、早く家を出た。 | ちこくしないように、はやくいえをでた。 chikokushinaiyouni、hayakuiewodeta。 | I left home early so I wouldn't be late. |
| 試験に合格しますように。 | しけんにごうかくしますように。 shikennigoukakushimasuyouni。 | I hope (I pray) I pass the exam. |
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Watch out
For a goal you actively, deliberately work toward with a volitional verb (“in order to buy a car”), ために is the natural choice instead — ように is reserved for outcomes that aren't directly under your control.