おもいます

The Japanese verb おもいます (omoimasu) is the cornerstone of expressing subjectivity and personal opinion in the Japanese language. While it is most commonly translated as "to think" or "to believe," its function extends far beyond the simple English equivalent. In Japanese communication, stating a fact directly can often come across as too assertive, blunt, or even rude. To maintain social harmony, or wa, speakers frequently use おもいます to frame their statements as personal perspectives rather than objective truths. This linguistic softening is essential for polite interaction. When you say something is 'delicious' (oishii desu), you are stating a fact. When you say 'oishii to omoimasu,' you are sharing your personal experience of the flavor, which leaves room for others to have their own opinions. This verb specifically refers to the internal, spontaneous thoughts or feelings that arise in the mind. It is distinct from the logical, analytical process of 'thinking through' a problem, which is usually covered by the verb kangaeru. Whether you are discussing the weather, evaluating a project at work, or expressing a desire to travel, おもいます provides the necessary grammatical structure to house those internal reflections.

Core Meaning

The internal state of holding an opinion, feeling, or belief about a specific topic or situation.

Social Function

Used as a 'hedging' device to soften statements and avoid sounding overly dogmatic or confrontational.

Grammatical Role

It follows the particle 'to' (と), which acts as a quotation mark for the preceding clause or thought.

The usage of おもいます is also tied to the concept of 'private predicates.' In Japanese, you generally cannot state the internal feelings of another person as a fact. You cannot say 'Tanaka-san thinks this is good' using the simple form. Instead, you must use forms like omotte imasu (is thinking) or other indirect expressions. This highlights how おもいます is deeply rooted in the speaker's own consciousness. In everyday life, you will hear this word in almost every conversation. It is used to express uncertainty, to offer suggestions, and to respond to questions about one's preferences. For example, if someone asks, 'Will it rain tomorrow?' responding with 'Furu to omoimasu' (I think it will rain) is much more natural than a definitive 'Furu desu' (It will rain), unless you are a meteorologist stating a scientific certainty. This word is also the basis for the volitional + to omoimasu construction, which expresses an intention or a plan that the speaker has just decided upon or is currently considering.

Furthermore, おもいます is the polite form of the verb omou. In casual settings, you would use omou or omou yo. In very formal settings, such as a speech or a business report, you might see zonjimasu, which is the humble equivalent. Understanding the spectrum of this verb allows you to navigate different social hierarchies in Japan. It is not just a word; it is a tool for emotional intelligence. By using おもいます, you show that you are aware of the boundary between your own mind and the minds of others. You are not imposing your reality on them; you are merely sharing your slice of it. This nuance is what makes Japanese a language of 'feeling' and 'context' as much as it is a language of 'information.' As you progress in your studies, you will find that おもいます appears in complex grammar patterns, such as expressing regret (koukai shite iru to omoimasu) or making polite requests indirectly. It is truly one of the most versatile and essential verbs for any learner to master early on.

Usage Context: Opinions

Expressing what you think about a person, place, or thing.

Usage Context: Predictions

Guessing what might happen in the future based on current feelings or signs.

Using おもいます (omoimasu) correctly requires an understanding of Japanese clause structures. The most important rule is that the thought being expressed must be in its plain form (also known as dictionary form, casual form, or short form). This thought is then followed by the quotation particle to (と), and finally the verb omoimasu. This structure allows you to embed entire sentences inside your opinion. For example, if you want to say 'I think Japanese is difficult,' you take the plain sentence 'Nihongo wa muzukashii' and add 'to omoimasu' to get 'Nihongo wa muzukashii to omoimasu.' This pattern is incredibly consistent and applies to verbs, i-adjectives, na-adjectives, and nouns alike. However, there are specific rules for each category that you must follow to be grammatically accurate.

With Verbs

Use the plain form (dictionary, nai-form, ta-form, or nakatta-form). Example: 'Iku to omoimasu' (I think I will go).

With I-Adjectives

Use the adjective as is. Example: 'Takai to omoimasu' (I think it is expensive).

With Na-Adjectives & Nouns

You must add 'da' before 'to'. Example: 'Benri da to omoimasu' (I think it is convenient) or 'Ame da to omoimasu' (I think it is rain).

One of the most common variations you will encounter is おもっています (omotte imasu). While omoimasu often refers to a thought that has just occurred or a general opinion, omotte imasu indicates a continuous state of thinking. It suggests that the speaker has held this opinion for some time. More importantly, omotte imasu is the form used when talking about the thoughts of a third person. Since you cannot truly know what someone else is thinking at this exact moment as a fact, using the continuous form makes it a report of their observable state of mind. For example, 'Tanaka-san wa ikitai to omotte imasu' (Tanaka-san is thinking/wants to go). This distinction is vital for sounding natural in Japanese. Another important use case is the volitional form + to omoimasu. This is used to express an intention. 'Kaoo to omoimasu' means 'I think I will buy it' or 'I intend to buy it.' It sounds slightly less certain than 'tsumori desu' (I intend to), making it a very common way to discuss future plans tentatively.

When asking for someone's opinion, you use the question form: Dou omoimasu ka? (What do you think?). Note that Japanese uses 'dou' (how) rather than 'nani' (what). This is a common point of confusion for English speakers. Asking 'Nani o omoimasu ka?' would literally mean 'What thing are you thinking about?' which is a different question entirely. To ask 'What do you think about [Topic]?' you use '[Topic] ni tsuite dou omoimasu ka?' This is a standard phrase in business meetings, classrooms, and casual debates. Mastering this allows you to engage others and show respect for their viewpoints. Additionally, おもいます can be used to express a polite guess. If someone asks where the keys are, you might say 'Tsukue no ue da to omoimasu' (I think they are on the desk). This protects you from being wrong; you aren't saying they ARE there, just that you THINK they are. This level of linguistic caution is a hallmark of Japanese speech patterns.

Question Form

どう おもいますか？ (Dou omoimasu ka?) - What do you think?

Past Tense

おもいました (Omoimashita) - I thought. Used when your opinion has changed or when describing a past thought.

The verb おもいます (omoimasu) is ubiquitous in Japanese society, appearing in almost every conceivable context where human thought is involved. In the professional world, it is the standard way to present ideas during meetings. A Japanese employee will rarely say 'This plan is the best.' Instead, they will say 'Kono puran ga besuto da to omoimasu.' This allows for a collaborative atmosphere where the supervisor or colleagues can offer counter-opinions without directly contradicting a 'fact.' You will hear it in presentations, emails, and even in the polite small talk that precedes business negotiations. It signals that the speaker is humble and open to feedback. In the realm of news and media, reporters use to omowaremasu (it is thought that...) to report on events where the cause is not yet officially confirmed. This passive form of omou adds a layer of journalistic distance and objectivity.

In the Office

Used to suggest ideas, give feedback on reports, and express personal work goals.

In Daily Life

Used when discussing movies, food, weather, and plans with friends and family.

In Media

Used by interviewees to express their feelings or by commentators to analyze social trends.

In casual settings, the word is often shortened to omou or combined with sentence-ending particles like omou yo (I think, you know) or omou ne (I think so, right?). You'll hear it in anime and dramas constantly, especially during internal monologues where a character is reflecting on their feelings for someone else. 'Suki da to omou' (I think I love them) is a classic line that captures the uncertainty and budding realization of a character's emotions. In these contexts, おもいます acts as a bridge between the character's heart and the audience. Even in Japanese literature, the verb is used to delve into the psyche of the protagonist, often paired with poetic descriptions of the world. It is a word that carries the weight of human consciousness, making it a favorite for writers who want to explore the subjective nature of reality.

Another fascinating place you'll hear おもいます is in political speeches or public announcements. Politicians use it to state their vision while remaining strategically vague. 'Kore kara no Nihon wa motto yoku naru to omoimasu' (I think Japan will become better from now on). This allows them to inspire hope without making a legally binding promise. Similarly, in customer service, staff might use it to suggest a product: 'Okyaku-sama ni wa, kochira ga niau to omoimasu' (I think this one would suit you, dear customer). It frames the sales pitch as a personal recommendation rather than a pushy demand. This versatility—from the intimate thoughts of a lover to the calculated rhetoric of a politician—is what makes おもいます such a powerful word to understand. It is the pulse of Japanese social interaction, reflecting the constant negotiation between the self and the group.

In Education

Teachers use it to encourage students to express their views: 'Dou omoimasu ka?' (What do you think?).

In Customer Service

Used to offer advice or suggestions in a non-intrusive way.

Even though おもいます (omoimasu) is introduced early in Japanese studies, it is a frequent source of errors for learners. The most common mistake is forgetting the particle to (と). In English, we can say 'I think he is nice' without any special marker. In Japanese, the 'to' is non-negotiable; it acts as the glue that connects your thought to the verb. Without it, the sentence falls apart. Another frequent error involves the form of the word preceding 'to.' Learners often use the polite form (masu-form) inside the thought, such as 'Oishii desu to omoimasu.' While you might hear this occasionally in very formal or hesitant speech, the standard rule is to use the plain form: 'Oishii to omoimasu.' Using the polite form inside makes the sentence sound cluttered and redundant.

Mistake: Missing 'Da'

Incorrect: 'Kirei to omoimasu.' Correct: 'Kirei da to omoimasu.' Na-adjectives and nouns need 'da' before 'to'.

Mistake: Using for Others

Incorrect: 'Tanaka-san wa oishii to omoimasu.' Correct: 'Tanaka-san wa oishii to omotte imasu.' Use the continuous form for third-person thoughts.

Mistake: Confusion with 'Kangaeru'

Using 'omoimasu' for logical problem-solving or deep analysis instead of 'kangaeru'.

A more subtle mistake is the misuse of 'omoimasen' (I don't think). In English, we often say 'I don't think it will rain.' In Japanese, it is much more common to say 'I think it won't rain' (Furanai to omoimasu). While 'Furu to wa omoimasen' is grammatically possible, it carries a much stronger tone of denial or skepticism. For general opinions, sticking to the negative plain form + to omoimasu will make you sound much more like a native speaker. Additionally, learners often struggle with the distinction between omoimasu and omotte imasu. Remember: omoimasu is for a thought that just popped into your head or a general belief, while omotte imasu is for a long-held opinion or an ongoing state of mind. If you are asked your opinion on a topic you've considered for years, omotte imasu is often the better choice.

Finally, avoid using おもいます when you are stating a fact that you are 100% certain of, as it can make you sound unsure of yourself. If someone asks your name, you don't say 'Tanaka da to omoimasu' (I think I'm Tanaka). This sounds like you have amnesia! Use it only for opinions, predictions, and intentions. Another common pitfall is using 'omoimasu' when you should use 'shinjimasu' (to believe/trust). 'Omoimasu' is for thoughts; 'shinjimasu' is for deep-seated beliefs or trust in a person. If you say 'I believe in God,' you would use 'shinjimasu.' If you say 'I think it's a good idea,' you use 'omoimasu.' Keeping these distinctions in mind will help you avoid the 'uncanny valley' of Japanese speech and communicate your thoughts with clarity and precision.

Mistake: Particle Confusion

Using 'wo' instead of 'to' to mark the thought. 'Wo' is only used when 'omou' means 'to think of/about' a specific noun (e.g., kuni o omou - to think of one's country).

Mistake: Overusing 'Watashi'

Starting every sentence with 'Watashi wa... to omoimasu.' In Japanese, the context usually makes the subject clear.

While おもいます (omoimasu) is the most common way to express a thought, Japanese offers several alternatives that carry different nuances of certainty, logic, and formality. Understanding these synonyms will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most frequent comparison is with 考える (kangaeru). While omou is about a feeling or a subjective opinion that arises, kangaeru is about a logical, deliberate process. If you are solving a math problem or weighing the pros and cons of a job offer, you are 'kangaeru.' If you just have a 'feeling' that a certain movie will be good, you are 'omou.' In many cases, they can overlap, but the 'process vs. state' distinction is the key to choosing correctly.

考える (Kangaeru)

To think logically, to deliberate, to consider. Focuses on the mental process. Example: 'Kore kara no koto o kangaeru' (To think about the future).

信じる (Shinjiru)

To believe, to trust. Used for deep convictions, religious faith, or trusting someone's word. Example: 'Kare o shinjiru' (I believe him).

存じる (Zonjiru)

The humble form of 'omou' and 'shiru' (to know). Used in very formal business settings to show respect. Example: 'Sayo de gozaimasu to zonjimasu' (I believe that is so).

Another useful alternative is 気がする (ki ga suru), which translates to 'to have a feeling that...' or 'to have a hunch.' This is even less certain than omoimasu. It suggests an intuition that you can't quite explain. For example, 'Ame ga furu ki ga suru' (I have a feeling it will rain). This is perfect for when you want to express a thought but have no evidence to back it up. On the more formal side, you might encounter 推測する (suisoku suru), which means 'to infer' or 'to guess' based on evidence. This is common in academic or technical writing. In casual speech, you might hear tte omou, which is just a shortened version of to omou, often used for emphasis or speed.

For expressing strong conviction, you can use 確信する (kakushin suru), which means 'to be convinced' or 'to be certain.' This is the opposite of the softening effect of omoimasu. Use it when you want to show absolute confidence. In contrast, 見なす (minasu) means 'to consider' or 'to regard as,' often used in legal or official contexts (e.g., 'This will be considered a violation'). Finally, 感じる (kanjiru) means 'to feel.' While omou is a thought, kanjiru is a physical or emotional sensation. 'Samui to omoimasu' (I think it's cold) vs. 'Samusa o kanjiru' (I feel the cold). By learning these variations, you can express the exact degree of certainty and the specific nature of your mental state, making your Japanese much more sophisticated and expressive.

Formal Alternative

～と 存じます (to zonjimasu) - Humble, used in business.

Intuitive Alternative

～気がする (ki ga suru) - To have a hunch/feeling.