so that, in order that

ように expresses purpose when the goal is not directly controllable: it follows potential forms, negative forms, and non-volitional verbs like 分かる or 聞こえる. The subjects of the two clauses can differ. Compare ために, which requires a controllable action and the same subject.

Examples

• 忘わすれないように、メモしてください。

  Wasurenai you ni, memo shite kudasai.

  Please take notes so that you do not forget.

• 後うしろの人ひとにも聞きこえるように、大おおきい声こえで話はなしました。

  Ushiro no hito ni mo kikoeru you ni, ookii koe de hanashimashita.

  I spoke loudly so that the people in the back could hear too.

Vocabulary in these examples

• 忘れる to forget
• する to do
• くださる to give (honorific)
• 後ろ behind; back
• 人 person
• 聞こえる to be audible, to be heard

Related patterns · Purpose and change

• 〜ために in order to, for the sake of
• 〜ようになる to come to do, to reach the point where
• 〜ようにする to make an effort to, to try to make a habit of