Be about to A; Try to A
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寝ようとしたが、スマホが鳴った。
I tried to go to sleep, but the smartphone rang.
27点
先生の問いに答えようとしたけど、急に恥ずかしくなって何も言えませんでした。
I was about to answer the teacher's question, but I suddenly got embarrassed and couldn't say anything.
18点
お風呂に入ろうとしたけど、急に友達が来たので入れなかった。
I was about to take a bath, but my friends suddenly came over so I couldn't.
17点
その小さな犬は逃げようとしました。
The small dog tried to get away.
11点
ジェーンはまさに家から出ようとしていた。
Jane was about to leave the house.
7点
あなたは何をしようとしているのですか。
What are you trying to do?
Getting the sentences
These user sentences have been verified by a native speaker.

定禅寺通り
0
9
Level: 1
(14 years ago)
あの本を読もうとしたけど、難しくてやめた。
I tried to read that book, but gave up because it was too hard.


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Construction
(Elements in parentheses are optional.)
Basic Examples:
電話を掛けようとする (be about to phone (someone))
Related Expressions
Where this grammar is found
Nihongo So-Matome N3 (日本語総まとめ): 第1週 6日目
新完全マスター文法 N3: 第1部 11課
JLPT N4 / Intermediate: Verb Patterns: する/なる
新完全マスター文法 N3: 第1部 11課
JLPT N4 / Intermediate: Verb Patterns: する/なる
User notes
13点
the nuance of this grammar is that the speaker tried/try to do but is not successful
10 years ago
shirothekiller
- Level 1
Discussion about this grammar
Studying: Graduate School Placement Exam
Level: 1,
好 : 50
0点
13 years ago

Site admin
Level: 123, 好 : 6,919
Level: 123, 好 : 6,919
0点
13 years ago

Years Studied: 7
Studying: 漢検2級
Level: 1,
好 : 663
Studying: 漢検2級
0点
13 years ago (Edited 13 years ago.)

Site admin
Level: 123, 好 : 6,919
Level: 123, 好 : 6,919
0点
13 years ago

Years Studied: 8
Studying: JPLT N1
Level: 1,
好 : 252
Studying: JPLT N1
2点
12 years ago
Level: 1,
好 : 0
0点
8 years ago

Site admin
Level: 123, 好 : 6,919
Level: 123, 好 : 6,919
0点
8 years ago

Years Studied: 6
Studying: JLPT 3
Level: 17,
好 : 9
Studying: JLPT 3
0点
4 years ago

Site admin
Level: 123, 好 : 6,919
Level: 123, 好 : 6,919
0点
4 years ago

Level: 842,
好 : 338
3点
4 years ago
Level: 1,
好 : 7
1点
2 years ago

Site admin
Level: 123, 好 : 6,919
Level: 123, 好 : 6,919
1点
2 years ago

Years Studied: ???
Studying: JLPT N2/N1 -------- 44 Games Completed in Japanese
Level: 110,
好 : 344
Studying: JLPT N2/N1 -------- 44 Games Completed in Japanese
1点
7 months ago (Edited 7 months ago.)

Site admin
Level: 123, 好 : 6,919
Level: 123, 好 : 6,919
1点
7 months ago

Years Studied: not enough
Studying: second half of N4, but I'm preparing to re-study all N5-N4 grammar
Level: 134,
好 : 47
Studying: second half of N4, but I'm preparing to re-study all N5-N4 grammar
0点
4 months ago