JLPT N3 reference · Aspect and change
ようになる change
It describes gradual change in ability, habit, or circumstances rather than a single deliberate decision.
Core meaning and form
Use dictionary or potential form + ようになる for an acquired state; negative form marks cessation or prevention. For a deliberate ongoing effort, contrast ようにする.
- Form: Use dictionary or potential form + ようになる for an acquired state; negative form marks cessation or prevention.
- Core use: It describes gradual change in ability, habit, or circumstances rather than a single deliberate decision.
- Context: For a deliberate ongoing effort, contrast ようにする.
Examples in context
日本語が話せるようになりました。Nihongo ga hanaseru yō ni narimashita.I became able to speak Japanese.
早く起きるようになった。Hayaku okiru yō ni natta.I have started getting up early.
甘い物を食べないようになりました。Amai mono o tabenai yō ni narimashita.I have stopped eating sweet things.
Common errors
- Do not select this pattern from an English translation alone; check its attachment and discourse function.
- Keep the surrounding sentence in a consistent plain, polite, spoken, or written register.
Quick summary
- Use dictionary or potential form + ようになる for an acquired state; negative form marks cessation or prevention.
- It describes gradual change in ability, habit, or circumstances rather than a single deliberate decision.
- For a deliberate ongoing effort, contrast ようにする.