What it means
ようとする follows a verb’s volitional form and expresses trying to do something or making an attempt to do it. It can also describe someone being on the point of doing something, especially when the action has not yet happened. The construction focuses on the effort or intention to begin the action, not necessarily on whether the action succeeds.
Usage note
Do not confuse ようとする with ようにする, which means to make an effort to establish a habit or achieve a continuing state. ようとする usually refers to a specific attempt or an action that someone is about to start.
How to use it
彼は毎朝、重い箱を一人で運ぼうとします。
He tries to carry the heavy box by himself every morning.
彼は毎朝、重い箱を一人で運ぼうとする。
He tries to carry the heavy box by himself every morning.
Example sentences
駅員に事情を説明しようとしたが、電車が発車してしまった。
I tried to explain the situation to the station attendant, but the train departed.
姉は重い荷物を一人で運ぼうとしています。
My older sister is trying to carry the heavy luggage by herself.
先生に質問しようとしたとき、チャイムが鳴った。
When I tried to ask the teacher a question, the bell rang.