～ようとしない

About

～ようとしない is a combination of a volitional form verb, the と particle, and the negative form of する. This pattern is used to express that "someone shows no signs (lit. no volition) of doing X".

～ようとしない statements are generally observational in nature.

E.g. やると言いったのに、スティーブはなかなか洗あらい物ものをしようとしない。 "Despite saying he'll do it, Steve doesn't seem to be making any effort to do the dishes."

E.g. 俺おれの方ほうを見みようともしなかった。 "They made absolutely no effort to look in my direction."

The ～ようとしない pattern should be used for the actions of others, rather than self, with the exception of past tense statements, or those where one narrates their own actions/volition.

Summary

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  ～ようとしない is used to express that "someone shows no signs (lit. no volition) of doing X"

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  ～ようとしない statements are generally observational in nature, and should be used for the actions of others, rather than oneself