ようにする (you-ni-suru) vs ことにする (koto-ni-suru)
What's the Difference?
Quick Answer
Use ようにする for habitual effort and ことにする for making a decision. ようにする implies continuous action, while ことにする is a one-time choice.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | ようにする (you-ni-suru) | ことにする (koto-ni-suru) |
|---|---|---|
| JLPT | N3 | N3 |
| Formality | neutral | neutral |
| Implied Action | implies continuous effort | implies a one-time decision |
| Tense | can be used in any tense | usually used in the present or future tense |
| Intent | shows intention to try or make an effort | shows a firm decision or commitment |
ようにする (you-ni-suru)
JLPT: N3 | Formality: neutral
- Implied Action: implies continuous effort
- Tense: can be used in any tense
- Intent: shows intention to try or make an effort
ことにする (koto-ni-suru)
JLPT: N3 | Formality: neutral
- Implied Action: implies a one-time decision
- Tense: usually used in the present or future tense
- Intent: shows a firm decision or commitment
Example Sentences
ようにする (you-ni-suru)
毎朝、走るようにする
maasa, hashiru you-ni-suru
I make an effort to run every morning
健康のために、走るようにすることにした
kenkou no tame ni, hashiru you-ni-suru koto ni shita
I decided to make an effort to run for my health
友達と毎日会うようにする
tomodachi to mainichi au you-ni-suru
I try to meet my friends every day
ことにする (koto-ni-suru)
明日、友達と映画を見に行くことにする
ashita, tomodachi to eiga o mi ni iku koto ni suru
I decide to go see a movie with my friend tomorrow
来週、東京へ旅行に行くことにする
raishuu, toukyou e ryokou ni iku koto ni suru
I decide to travel to Tokyo next week
今週末、家族と一緒に海に行くことにする
konshuu-matsu, kazoku to issho ni umi ni iku koto ni suru
I decide to go to the beach with my family this weekend
Common Mistakes
- ⚠ Using ようにする for a one-time decision, which can sound unnatural or confusing
- ⚠ Using ことにする for a habitual action, which can imply a lack of commitment
- ⚠ Not considering the tense and intent when choosing between ようにする and ことにする
Memory Tip
💡 Think of ようにする as 'trying' and ことにする as 'deciding', and choose the one that best fits the context and intent
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