Grammar JLPT Level N4 - Lesson 26
Structure of 様(よう)に祈(いの)る:
Verb[る] + ように + 祈る
Verb[ない] + ように + 祈る
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 様 'manner of doing'.
ようにいのる (or 祈る 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 祈る 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'.
ようにいのる (or 祈る 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 祈る 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'.
- 明日に雪が降って学校が休みになるように祈る。I hope that it snows tomorrow and school gets canceled.
- 世界が平和になるように祈る。I hope that the world becomes a peaceful place.
- 授業中に先生に呼ばれないように祈る。I hope that the teacher doesn't call on me during class.
- 友達の車に乗る前に死なないように祈る。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, ように祈る will sometimes be shortened to ように by itself. This is especially true after ます.
- 今年は国に帰れますように。I pray that you can go back to your country this year.
- 明日のテストで合格できますように。I pray that I can pass tomorrow's test.
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
生きてここを出られるように祈っているんだ。
I am praying that I can leave this place alive.
彼が安全に帰れるように祈ろう!
Let's pray that he can come home safely.
日本語能力試験に合格できるように毎日祈っているわよ。
I am praying every day for the ability to pass the JLPT.
うまく行くように祈って(ください)ね。
Please pray that it will go well.
親:「マルちゃんは何を祈っているの?」
娘のマルちゃん:「ワシみたいに飛べるように祈っているのだ!」
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

JLPT Practice
Review after tedious theory lessons.

JLPT Mock Test
Let’s see how far you’ve honed your knowledge!