How do you say "Try to; make a habit of" in Japanese?

"Try to; make a habit of" in Japanese is "ようにしています". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

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How to Say ‘Try to; make a habit of’ in Japanese

Q: What does "ようにしています" mean in English?

"ようにしています" means "Try to; make a habit of" in English. Usage tip: Put a dictionary-form verb before [ようにしています] to say you try to do it regularly: [寝るようにしています], [歩くようにしています]. It often implies a habit or health effort, not just a one-time try.

ようにしています

you ni shi te i masu

[yoh-oh nee shee teh ee mahs]

💬 Usage Tip: Put a dictionary-form verb before [ようにしています] to say you try to do it regularly: [寝るようにしています], [歩くようにしています]. It often implies a habit or health effort, not just a one-time try.

Phrase Breakdown

よう

you

[yoh-oh]

so that; in such a way that

In this pattern, よう helps express a goal or intended habit.

Example

健康のために早く寝るようにしています。

For my health, I try to go to bed early.

に

[nee]

to; for; in

A particle. In ように, it connects the goal expression よう with the following verb phrase.

Example

健康のために早く寝るようにしています。

For my health, I try to go to bed early.

し

shi

[shee]

The stem of する, used here as part of しています, meaning 'am doing' or 'try to do regularly.'

Example

毎日運動しようにではなく、運動しています。

It is not 'let's exercise'; rather, I am exercising.

て

[teh]

and; -te form

The て-form connector. Here it links し to います in the progressive/polite expression.

Example

毎日運動して、よく寝ます。

I exercise every day and sleep well.

い

[ee]

to be; ongoing state

Part of ています, showing an ongoing action or habitual behavior.

Example

毎朝散歩しているので元気です。

Because I take a walk every morning, I am energetic.

ます

masu

[mahs]

polite verb ending

A polite ending often used in everyday conversation.

Example

毎日水をたくさん飲みます。

I drink a lot of water every day.

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