Meaning & Usage
〜ようになる describes a change that happens over time. It marks the transition from one state to another, often as a result of practice, aging, or new circumstances. Unlike sudden changes (like 'it started raining'), this pattern focuses on gradual progress or a shift in routine.
This grammar serves two main purposes. When you use it with the potential form of a verb, it shows you have gained a new skill. For example, after months of study, you might finally be able to read a Japanese menu. When paired with the dictionary form, it indicates a new habit or a change in behavior. You might use this to explain that you have recently started exercising or stopped eating meat.
The nuance here is often objective. It describes a state that has naturally manifested rather than a sudden, forced decision. While 〜ことにする implies you made a choice, ようになる suggests the change has simply become your new reality. It is a polite and common way to track growth in both casual conversation and formal reporting.
Structure & Formation
To use this pattern, attach ように + なる to the end of a verb. This grammar does not work with nouns or adjectives; for those, use 〜になる or 〜くなる instead.
| Verb Category | Connection Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| New Ability | Potential Verb + ように + なる | 話せるようになる (Become able to speak) |
| New Habit | Dictionary Verb + ように + なる | 食べるようになる (Start eating) |
| Ceasing a Habit | Negative Verb (ない) + ように + なる | 飲まないようになる (Stop drinking) |
The final verb なる conjugates like any regular u-verb: なりました (past polite), なっています (ongoing state), or なりたい (want to become).
Example Sentences
Changes in Ability (Potential Form)
半年練習して、１キロ泳げるようになりました。
Hantoshi renshuu shite, ichi-kiro oyogeru you ni narimashita.
After practicing for half a year, I've reached the point where I can swim a kilometer.
やっと、ひらがなで名前が書けるようになりました。
Yatto, hiragana de namae ga kakeru you ni narimashita.
I can finally write my name in hiragana.
弟は、やっと自転車に乗れるようになりました。
Otouto wa, yatto jitensha ni noreru you ni narimashita.
My younger brother is finally able to ride a bicycle.
Changes in Habits and Routines
健康のために、野菜をたくさん食べるようになりました。
Kenkou no tame ni, yasai wo takusan taberu you ni narimashita.
For my health, I've started eating plenty of vegetables.
最近、あまり夜更かししないようになりました。
Saikin, amari yofukashi shinai you ni narimashita.
Lately, I’ve stopped staying up late so much.
日本に来てから、自分で料理を作るようになりました。
Nihon ni kite kara, jibun de ryouri wo tsukuru you ni narimashita.
Since moving to Japan, I've started cooking for myself.
Social and Technological Changes
この店でもカードが使えるようになりました。
Kono mise demo kaado ga tsukaeru you ni narimashita.
This shop has started accepting credit cards (it has become possible to use them).
将来、人間は火星に住めるようになるでしょう。
Shourai, ningen wa kasei ni sumeru you ni naru deshou.
In the future, humans will likely be able to live on Mars.
Common Mistakes
1. Using Adjectives Directly
The pattern ようになる is only for verbs. If you want to describe a change in a physical quality, use the standard adjective change forms.
❌ 背が高いようになりました。
✅ 背が高くなりました。(I grew taller.)
2. Confusing Ability with Habit
Using the dictionary form instead of the potential form changes the meaning entirely. Be careful when talking about foods or skills.
❌ 納豆を食べるようになりました (to mean "I can finally stand the taste").
✅ 納豆を食べられるようになりました。
The first sentence means you simply started the habit of eating it. The second sentence correctly shows that you gained the ability to eat it.
3. Describing Sudden Events
Do not use ようになる for things that happen instantly or without a process of change.
❌ 雨が降るようになりました。
✅ 雨が降り始めました。(It started raining.)
Only use ようになる if you are describing a long-term climate shift, such as "It rains more often in this region now than it did ten years ago."
Cultural Notes
In Japanese, using ようになる is a modest way to talk about your own progress. Instead of saying "I can do X," which can sometimes sound a bit boastful, saying "I have come to be able to do X" sounds humble. It emphasizes the journey and the effort you put in to reach that level.
Parents often use this phrase to celebrate their children's milestones. Whether a toddler is finally walking or a child has started helping with the dishes, this grammar captures the feeling of watching someone grow over time. It is a very warm and positive expression in a family context.
Related Grammar Points
- Making an Effort with ようにする (youni suru) (Grammar N4)
- Experience and Occasional Actions: Using ことがある (Grammar N4)
- ことになる — It Has Been Decided (Grammar N4)
- てもらう — Have Someone Do / Receive a Favor (Grammar N4)
- Capturing the Moment: Using Tokoro da (Grammar N4)
- ことができる — Can Do, Be Able To (Grammar N5)
JLPT Tips
For the N4 exam, check the verb form before ように. If the verb is in the potential form (e.g., 読める, 泳げる), the sentence is talking about a change in ability. This is the most common way this grammar appears in listening and reading sections.
Distinguishing between ようになる and ようにする is a classic JLPT trick. Remember that なる represents a result or a natural change. In contrast, する indicates a person is trying hard to make something a habit. Look for keywords like がんばって (working hard) to choose する, or やっと (finally) to choose なる.