ように
yō ni
The English phrase "so that" is expressed in Japanese using ように (yō ni).
ように is a conjunction used to introduce the purpose or the intended result of an action.
Which one should you use?
While both ように and ために can mean "so that", they are used in different contexts. ために expresses a direct, controllable purpose or intent. In contrast, ように is used for goals that are not entirely within the subject's control, such as reaching a state of being or a potentiality.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase ように is typically preceded by a verb in the dictionary form or the potential form.
How do you pronounce it?
yō ni
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using ように with a volitional verb (such as "to do") when you are expressing a direct, intentional action. In those cases, you should use ために instead.
Did you know?
- If you use ように to express a goal, you are linguistically acknowledging that the outcome depends on external factors or luck rather than just your own will.
- While ように expresses a goal, it is also the primary way to say 'like' or 'as' when making a comparison. The Japanese language treats 'acting like something' and 'acting so that something happens' as linguistically related.
- When used in a prayer or a wish, ように acts as a verbal bridge to a desire, which is why it is often seen at the end of written wishes or prayers.
Examples in context
- 分かるように説明してよ。Explain it so that I understand.This sentence uses ように to express the purpose of explaining something.Tatoeba #11267707 by small_snow, translation #11267741 by DJ_Saidez
- バスに間に合うように、急ごうよ。Let's hurry so that we can catch the bus.This sentence uses ように to express the purpose of hurrying.Tatoeba #198182 by small_snow, translation #35374 by AlanF_US
- 電話に出られるように家にいなさい。Stay home so that you can answer the phone.This sentence uses ように to express the purpose of staying home.Tatoeba #124706 by KK_kaku_, translation #279288 by CM
- 学校へ行くためにバスを利用します。I use the bus to go to school.
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiyori is reminding Daito to set an alarm for their trip.
- 陽葵 Himari明日、遅れないようにアラームをかけてね。Ashita, okurenai you ni aramu o kakete ne.Set an alarm so that you aren't late tomorrow.
- 大翔 Hiroto大丈夫。もう設定したよ。Daijoubu. Mou settei shita yo.I'm fine. I already set it.
- 陽葵 Himari忘れ物がないように、もう一度確認してね。Wasuremono ga nai you ni, mou ichido kakunin shite ne.Check one more time so that you don't forget anything.
- 大翔 Hirotoわかった。ありがとう、陽葵。Wakatta. Arigatou, Hiyori.Got it. Thanks, Hiyori.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ように, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
