〜(よ)うとしない (~(y)ou to shinai) — won't even try
They could, but they simply won't — a complaint.
Formula (सूत्र ढाँचा)
Grammar rule (व्याकरण नियम र परिभाषा)
Meaning
「〜(よ)うとしない」says someone shows no will to do something they could do: 「彼は人の話を聞こうとしない」= he won't even try to listen to others.
How to attach
Volitional form + としない.
Versus what you know
N5It differs from plain 「〜ない」(doesn't) — here the complaint is that they don't even make the attempt, they simply have no wish to.
Watch out
It is mostly said about other people, so the tone is critical; about yourself it sounds odd.
Examples (उदाहरणहरू)
彼は人の話を聞こうとしない。
かれはひとのはなしをきこうとしない。
He won't even try to listen to what people say.
How it is built (कसरी बन्यो) 聞く → volitional form 聞こう → attach としない to it → it becomes a complaint: 'won't even try'.
子どもが野菜を食べようとしない。
こどもがやさいをたべようとしない。
The child won't even try to eat vegetables.
How it is built (कसरी बन्यो) 食べる → volitional form 食べよう → としない → the feeling of not even wanting to.
彼は自分の間違いをみとめようとしない。
かれはじぶんのまちがいをみとめようとしない。
He refuses to admit his mistake.
How it is built (कसरी बन्यो) みとめる → volitional form みとめよう → としない → it gives a critical feeling.
Knowledge check (मिनी ज्ञान जाँच)
「彼は病院へ行こう＿。」— to say "won't even try to go"?
💡 Hint: No will at all.
Volitional + としない = won't even try.
How does it differ from plain 「〜ない」?
💡 Hint: "Doesn't" vs "won't even try".
ようとしない adds the complaint that they don't even attempt it.
Who is this pattern usually about?
💡 Hint: A critical tone.
To criticise others; odd about yourself.
Your score: /3