How to Express Changes Over Time with ようになる in Japanese

Understanding ようになる

The Japanese expression ようになる is used to convey a change or transition that occurs over time, often signifying a development in skills or preferences. It can be equated to expressions in English such as 'come to...', 'learn to...', or 'get to...'. This is an essential pattern for learners progressing beyond basic Japanese.

Structure of ようになる

To use ようになる in a sentence, you typically conjugate it with the verb by using its potential form or plain form. The basic structure is Verb in Potential Form + ようになる or Verb in Dictionary Form + ようになる.

Usage Examples

Let's explore different contexts in which ようになる is used. This will provide clarity on its application and the nuances it conveys.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse ようになる with つもりだ, which expresses intention rather than a change already occurred. Remember, ようになる refers to changes that have happened or are progressively happening, indicating a progression rather than an intention.

Practicing ようになる

To master ようになる, practice constructing sentences by combining it with different verbs you know, recounting personal experiences of change. Start by expressing how you've improved at certain skills or describe habits you've developed.