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why is the volitional 聞こう used

letslearn

先輩
11 Sep 2013
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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
 
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.
 
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