Understanding the Volitional Form in Japanese
The volitional form in Japanese is used to express intention, suggestion, or determination, similar to saying “let’s do” or “I will do” in English. For example, the verb taberu (to eat) becomes tabeyou (let’s eat/I will eat) in its volitional form. This form is not only useful for making suggestions or decisions but also serves as a foundation for expressing the idea of “trying to do” something.
Forming the Volitional
To create the volitional form, follow these basic rules:
- For Godan verbs (u-verbs): Change the final “u” sound to “ou.” For example, kaku (to write) becomes kakou.
- For Ichidan verbs (ru-verbs): Drop the final “ru” and add “you.” For example, miru (to see) becomes miyou.
- For irregular verbs:
- suru (to do) becomes shiyou
- kuru (to come) becomes koyou
Expressing “Try to Do” with the Volitional Form
In Japanese, to express the concept of “trying to do” something, you use the volitional form of a verb combined with the verb to suru (to do). The construction is:
Verb (volitional form) + to suru
This structure literally means “to try to do [something],” indicating an attempt or effort to perform an action.
Examples:
- Tabeyou to suru – “to try to eat”
- Kakou to suru – “to try to write”
- Oyogou to suru – “to try to swim”
- Miyou to suru – “to try to see/watch”
By using this pattern, you express the intention and effort behind the action, not just the action itself.
When and How to Use “Volitional + to suru”
This grammatical structure is used when you want to indicate that someone (often yourself) is making an effort to do something, regardless of whether or not the attempt is successful. It is commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese, making it an essential tool for effective communication.
Practical Scenarios
- I tried to wake up early.
早く起きようとした。
Hayaku okiyou to shita. - She tried to study Japanese every day.
彼女は毎日日本語を勉強しようとした。
Kanojo wa mainichi nihongo o benkyou shiyou to shita. - They tried to help their friend.
彼らは友達を助けようとした。
Karera wa tomodachi o tasukeyou to shita.
Notice that the volitional form is always followed by to suru (or its past tense to shita), depending on the context.
Tips for Mastering This Structure
- Practice with different verbs: Try forming sentences with various verbs in the volitional form plus to suru to get comfortable with the pattern.
- Listen for it in conversation: Native speakers frequently use this structure. Listen for it in podcasts, dramas, or conversations, and try to repeat what you hear.
- Use language learning tools: Platforms like Talkpal offer interactive exercises and conversation practice, which can help reinforce your understanding of this grammar point.
- Write your own examples: Create a daily habit of writing a few sentences about what you “tried to do” each day using the volitional + to suru structure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing up the volitional form with the te-form: Remember, the te-form is used for requests and connecting verbs, while the volitional form is specifically for intention and trying.
- Forgetting to use “to suru”: The volitional form alone does not mean “to try to do.” You must add “to suru” to convey the attempt.
- Using incorrect verb conjugations: Review the rules for forming the volitional with both godan and ichidan verbs to avoid errors.
Conclusion
Expressing “try to do” in Japanese is an important skill for anyone aiming to communicate effectively and naturally. By mastering the volitional form and combining it with to suru, you can accurately convey your intentions and efforts in conversation. Regular practice, exposure to native materials, and interactive learning with resources like Talkpal will ensure you become confident in using this essential grammar point. Keep experimenting with different verbs, and soon you’ll find yourself expressing your attempts and efforts with ease in Japanese.
