〜ように
so that ~
Connect an action to the goal it is meant to achieve.
Remember it
Goal in mind, action in front: link them with 〜ように.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜ように」 means "so that ~". Structure: Verb dictionary/nai + ように. This is a JLPT N4 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Use it for goals, preparation, instructions, and explaining why you take an action.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
At work
Example 1会議に遅れないように、早く出ます。
かいぎ に おくれない よう に、はやく でます。
kaigi ni okurenai you ni, hayaku demasu.
I leave early so as not to be late for the meeting.
Everyday life
Example 2紹介に遅れないように、早く出ます。
しょうかい に おくれない よう に、はやく でます。
shoukai ni okurenai you ni, hayaku demasu.
I leave early so as not to be late for the introduction.
Everyday life
Example 3経験に遅れないように、早く出ます。
けいけん に おくれない よう に、はやく でます。
keiken ni okurenai you ni, hayaku demasu.
I leave early so as not to be late for the experience.
Everyday life
Example 4翻訳に遅れないように、早く出ます。
ほんやく に おくれない よう に、はやく でます。
hon'yaku ni okurenai you ni, hayaku demasu.
I leave early so as not to be late for the translation.
Everyday life
Example 5給料に遅れないように、早く出ます。
きゅうりょう に おくれない よう に、はやく でます。
kyuuryou ni okurenai you ni, hayaku demasu.
I leave early so as not to be late for the salary.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
I leave early so as not to be late for the meeting.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜ように.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.