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Grammar JLPT Level N4 - Lesson 26

Structure of 様(よう)に祈(いの)る:

Verb[る] + ように + (いの)
Verb[ない] + ように + (いの)

Details about 様(よう)に祈(いの)る:

As we have seen several times now, the auxiliary verb ようだ is frequently used with verbs, to express that the 'completion' of an action is the specific goal/wish of the speaker. It does this implicitly through the meaning of the kanji (よう) 'manner of doing'.
ようにいのる (or (いの)る in its kanji form) is no different, and will imply that the speaker is praying for (A) to be done/completed. This comes from the meaning of the う-Verb (いの)る itself, which can be translated as 'to pray', or 'to beg'. Despite being able to be used when actually praying, this grammar point is used most often to express a 'hope'.
  • 明日(あした)(ゆき)()学校(がっこう)(やすみ)になるように(いの)
    I hope that it snows tomorrow and school gets canceled.
  • 世界(せかい)平和(へいわ)になるように(いの)
    I hope that the world becomes a peaceful place.
In a similar way to other ように structures, ないように may also be used with (いの)る, to show that someone is praying for something 'not' to happen.
  • 授業中(じゅぎょうちゅう)先生(せんせい)()ばれないように(いの)
    I hope that the teacher doesn't call on me during class.
  • 友達(ともだち)(くるま)()(まえ)()ないように(いの)
    I hope that I don't die before I get to ride in my friend's car.
様(よう)に祈(いの)る

Usage Notes for 様(よう)に祈(いの)る:

However, 'unlike' other ように structures, ように(いの) will sometimes be shortened to ように by itself. This is especially true after ます.
  • 今年(ことし)(くに)(かえ)れますように
    I pray that you can go back to your country this year.
  • 明日(あした)テスト合格(ごうかく)できますように
    I pray that I can pass tomorrow's test.
This is the only ように structure that will have the verb that comes after it omitted. Therefore, ように (by itself) will always mean 'to hope for', and should not be confused with ようにする, ようになる, ようにいう, and other similar grammar points.

Synonyms for 様(よう)に祈(いの)る:

ように
So that, In order to, In such a way that

Example of 様(よう)に祈(いの)る

()きてここ()られるように(いの)ているんだ

I am praying that I can leave this place alive.

(かれ)安全(あんぜん)(かえ)れるように(いの)ろう

Let's pray that he can come home safely.

日本語(にほんご)能力試験(のうりょくしけん)合格(ごうかく)できるように毎日(まいにち)(いの)ている

I am praying every day for the ability to pass the JLPT.

うまく()ように(いの)って(ください)

Please pray that it will go well.

(おや):「マルちゃん(なに)(いの)ているの?」
(むすめ)マルちゃん:「ワシみたいに()べるように(いの)っているのだ!」

Parent: 'What are you praying for, Maru-chan?'
Daughter, Maru-chan: 'I am praying for the ability to fly like an eagle!'

Grammar same lesson

様(よう)に言(い)う

To tell, request, or order to do (in such a way)
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~ている所(ところ)だ

In the process of doing ~ right now/at this moment
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~たばかり

Just did, Something just happened
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様(よう)にする

To try to, To make sure to, To endeavor to
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なければならない

Must do, Have to do
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