～ようとしない
〜you to shinai
Formation
Verb-volitional form + としない
Not showing any sign or intention to do something.
When to use
Volitional + としない: won't even try, refuses (謝ろうとしない).
Explanation
The ～ようとしない grammar point indicates that someone is not showing any sign or intention of doing an action. It is used to express a refusal or unwillingness to do something. It is formed by using the volitional form of a verb followed by としない.
Example sentences
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He doesn't show any sign of trying to study.
Kare wa benkyou shiyou to shinai.
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She doesn't show any intention of apologizing.
Kanojo wa ayamarou to shinai.
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My son doesn't show any intention of cleaning his room.
Musuko wa heya wo katazuke you to shinai.
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The dog doesn't show any sign of wanting to go for a walk.
Inu wa sanpo ni ikou to shinai.
Trying (Try Doing / Try To / Refuse To)
Corpus examples (50)
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Why will you not listen to reason?
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He will never give in even when he is wrong.
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He'll never admit to being in the wrong.
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She is backward in expressing her opinion.
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The point is that she doesn't do homework for herself.
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The elephant won't move an inch.
日本人の多くは英語に憧れているのにもかかわらず、英語を勉強しようとしない。
Despite being fascinated with English, many Japanese don't even try to study it.
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Tom was unhappy because she wouldn't ask him anything.
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But no one's lifted a finger.
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He won't say anything about himself.
似たところでは、募金活動に従事する学生が自らで稼いだ金を殆ど募金しようとしないことが挙げられる。
As a similar feature it is noted that students engaged in fund-raising activities rarely contribute money they have earned themselves.
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He would not go out.
泣いたことがない若者は野蛮人であり、笑おうとしない老人は愚者である。
The young man who has not wept is a savage, and the old man who will not laugh is a fool.
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They won't allow us to enter the garden.
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Why don't you try to get your money back?
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She won't conform to the town's social patterns.
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He never speaks unless spoken to.
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I never try to go to there.
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He will not change his mind in spite of my advice.
私が大統領として行った決定や政策に賛成しようとしない人間もたくさんいるだろう。
There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president.
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His criminal record is apparently for murder, but he won't start to talk about the details.
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Although the government refuses to admit it, its economic policy is in ruins.
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She always turns a deaf ear to my advice.
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He will not listen to me.
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He will not listen to me.