why is the volitional 聞こう used

letslearn

先輩

11 Sep 2013

890

14

• 9 Oct 2014

• #1

Hi All,
I was wondering why the volitional of the verb 聞く is used in the following sentence.
I think the sentence means..
私は一生懸命、小人の声をきこうとしましたがききとれません。
I tried as hard as I could to listen to the midgets voice but I couldn't comprehend what was being said.
よろしくお願いします

 

nekojita

先輩

14 Jan 2009

1,660

444

• 9 Oct 2014

• #2

It's not just volitional, it's volitional + とする (in this case としました).
The combination means "to try/attempt to". It's quite common in sentences relating to failed attempts, like with your example sentences.

 

letslearn

先輩

11 Sep 2013

890

14

• 10 Oct 2014

• Thread starter
• #3

Nekojitaさん、
ほんとにありがとうございました．