N3Purpose and Intention

V(辞書形・ない形) + ように(と)言う/頼む

Q: Is "Using the imperative form instead of the dictionary form." correct?

No. The correct form is "Use the dictionary form or ない形 of the verb.". The imperative form is used to give direct commands, but the dictionary form or ない形 is used to report indirect commands or requests.

Q: Is "Using 〜ために by mistake." correct?

No. The correct form is "Use 〜ように instead.". 〜ために is used to indicate purpose, but 〜ように is used to indicate a request or advice.

Q: Is "Confusing the particle 'に' for the person being told." correct?

No. The correct form is "Use the correct particle to indicate the person being told.". The particle 'に' is used to indicate the person being told, but it can be confused with other particles.

to tell/ask someone to do something

Definition

Meaning

The grammar pattern "V(辞書形・ない形) + ように(と)言う/頼む" is used to report commands, requests, or advice indirectly. This pattern is commonly used to express what someone has been told to do, and it is often followed by verbs like "言う" (to say), "頼む" (to ask), "注意する" (to remind), or "伝える" (to convey). The dictionary form or ない形 of the verb is used in this pattern, rather than the imperative form. This pattern is useful for expressing indirect commands or requests, and it can help to avoid direct confrontation or impoliteness.

Structure

Formation Rules

Form	Pattern	Example
Dictionary form	V(辞書形) + ように(と)言う/頼む	先生に、明日はもっと早く起きようと言われました。
ない形	V(ない形) + ように(と)言う/頼む	母に、部屋を片付けようと言われました。
Polite form	V(丁寧形) + ように(と)言う/頼む	医者に、お酒を飲まないようにと言われました。

Examples

Example Sentences

先生に、明日はもっと早く起きようと言われました。

Sensei ni, ashita wa motto hayaku okiyō to iwaremashita.

I was told to wake up earlier tomorrow by the teacher.

先生に (to the teacher), 明日はもっと早く (tomorrow, a bit earlier), 起きようと (to wake up), 言われました (was told)

母に、部屋を片付けようと言われました。

Haha ni, heya o katteyō to iwaremashita.

I was told to clean the room by my mother.

母に (to my mother), 部屋を (the room), 片付けようと (to clean), 言われました (was told)

医者に、お酒を飲まないようにと言われました。

Isha ni, o sake o nomanai yō ni to iwaremashita.

I was told not to drink alcohol by the doctor.

医者に (to the doctor), お酒を (alcohol), 飲まないように (not to drink), と (to), 言われました (was told)

Context

Usage Notes

This pattern is used to report indirect commands or requests, and it is often used in polite or formal situations. It can be used with a variety of verbs, including "言う" (to say), "頼む" (to ask), "注意する" (to remind), and "伝える" (to convey).

Watch out

Common Mistakes

Using the imperative form instead of the dictionary form.

Use the dictionary form or ない形 of the verb.

The imperative form is used to give direct commands, but the dictionary form or ない形 is used to report indirect commands or requests.

Using 〜ために by mistake.

Use 〜ように instead.

〜ために is used to indicate purpose, but 〜ように is used to indicate a request or advice.

Confusing the particle 'に' for the person being told.

Use the correct particle to indicate the person being told.

The particle 'に' is used to indicate the person being told, but it can be confused with other particles.

Strategy

JLPT Exam Tips

Pay attention to the dictionary form or ない形 of the verb, and make sure to use the correct particle to indicate the person being told. Also, be aware of the difference between 〜ために and 〜ように.

In context