This grammar shows you are trying to do something. You start to do it. But you might not finish it.
Verb [volitional form] + と + するPrimary
This grammar shows you are trying to do something. You start to do it. But you might not finish it.
ドアを開けようとしたが、鍵がかかっていて開かなかった。
I tried to open the door, but it was locked and wouldn't open.
彼は自分の過ちを認めようとしない。
He won't try to admit his own mistakes.
赤ちゃんが一人で立とうとしている。
The baby is trying to stand up by itself.
新しい市場を開拓しようとしておりますが、多くの課題に直面しています。
We are attempting to develop a new market, but we are facing many challenges.
太陽が沈もうとしている時、空は美しいオレンジ色に染まった。
Just as the sun was about to set, the sky was dyed a beautiful orange.
When you use this with past tense, it often means your try did not work. It is like saying "I tried to do something, but it failed." You will often see 'but' (が) or 'even though' (のに) after it.
This is different from "~you ni suru". "~you to suru" is for one try. "~you ni suru" is for trying again and again. It is for making a habit.
Don't use this when you cannot control the action. For example, you cannot say "I try to understand." You can only use it for things you choose to do.
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