B1 · 중급 챕터 4

Intentions, Suggestions, and Commands

5 총 규칙
51 예문
6 분
이 챕터의 규칙 빠른 연습

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of suggestion, intention, and command to speak Japanese with true authority and ease.

  • Convey personal intentions and friendly group suggestions.
  • Express spontaneous plans and actions that were almost initiated.
  • Navigate social commands and prohibitions with appropriate register.
Speak your mind and influence the room.

배울 내용

Hey there! Ready to take your Japanese to the next level and truly express yourself? In this chapter, you'll master crucial skills for conveying your intentions, making suggestions, and understanding commands. First up, we'll dive into the Japanese Volitional Form (～よう). This powerful form lets you make casual suggestions (like,

Shall we grab lunch?
) and express your personal intentions (for example,
I want to go to Japan this summer.
). Next, you'll learn «～ようと思う» to talk about plans that aren't 100% final, like "I'm thinking of exercising tomorrow.
This makes your conversations sound much more natural. If something was about to happen or you were in the middle of doing something when it was interrupted, the
～ようとする
pattern will help you express exactly that (e.g.,
I almost fell! or I was just about to leave when..."). It's super handy! Then, we'll cover the Imperative Form (命令形). You'll hear this often in anime, during sports, or see it on signs, allowing you to fully grasp direct commands. But be careful; you'll learn when and how to use it cautiously in social situations! Finally, for those times you need to say a firm "Don't!", you'll learn the blunt negative imperative «～な.» After this chapter, you'll confidently express your intentions, make friendly suggestions, and fully understand commands in any context, even using them yourself when appropriate. Get ready for deeper, more authentic communication in Japanese!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Use the volitional form to invite friends to activities.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: Distinguish between firm commands and polite requests.

챕터 가이드

Overview

Welcome, language adventurers, to a pivotal chapter in your B1 Japanese grammar journey! Are you ready to truly elevate your communication skills and express yourself with greater nuance? This guide will empower you to convey your intentions, make natural suggestions, and understand various forms of commands in Japanese.
Mastering these structures is crucial for sounding more like a native speaker and navigating real-life conversations with confidence.
We’ll start by exploring the versatile Japanese Volitional Form (~よう), which is your go-to for casual "let's do X" suggestions and expressing personal intentions. Then, you'll learn ~ようと思う, a fantastic phrase for discussing plans that are still a bit flexible, adding a natural "I'm thinking of doing X" to your speech. For those moments when you're
about to do something
or almost did something, ~ようとする will be your linguistic ally, providing precision to your narratives.
Finally, we'll delve into the more direct forms: the Japanese Imperative Form (命令形) and the blunt negative command ~な (na). While these are powerful and often seen in media, understanding their social implications is key to using them appropriately. By the end of this chapter, you’ll be able to confidently express your desires, propose activities, and interpret direct instructions, moving you significantly closer to authentic Japanese communication.

How This Grammar Works

Let's break down the core mechanics of expressing intentions, suggestions, and commands in Japanese.
First, the Japanese Volitional Form (~よう). This form serves two main purposes: making casual suggestions ("Let's...
) and expressing your personal intention (
I intend to...").
  • Group 1 Verbs (五段動詞): Change the final -u sound to an -ou sound.
  • 行く (iku) → 行こう (ikou) (Let's go / I intend to go)
  • 読む (yomu) → 読もう (yomou) (Let's read / I intend to read)
  • Group 2 Verbs (一段動詞): Drop -ru and add -you.
  • 食べる (taberu) → 食べよう (tabeyou) (Let's eat / I intend to eat)
  • 見る (miru) → 見よう (miyou) (Let's look / I intend to look)
  • Irregular Verbs:
  • する (suru) → しよう (shiyou) (Let's do / I intend to do)
  • 来る (kuru) → こよう (koyou) (Let's come / I intend to come)
Example

今夜、映画を見よう！ (Let's watch a movie tonight!)

Next, ~ようと思う expresses a non-definite plan or intention, like "I'm thinking of doing X." It's formed by attaching と思う (to omou) to the volitional form.
Example

日本語を勉強しようと思っています。 (I'm thinking of studying Japanese.)

The phrase ~ようとする indicates an attempt to do something or being on the verge of doing something. It's formed by adding とする (to suru) to the volitional form.
Example

ドアを開けようとしたら、鍵がかかっていた。(When I tried to open the door, it was locked.)

Example

彼は椅子から落ちようとした。(He was about to fall from the chair.)

Then, we have the Japanese Imperative Form (命令形), used for direct, blunt commands.
  • Group 1 Verbs: Change the final -u sound to an -e sound.
  • 行く (iku) → 行け！ (ike!) (Go!)
  • 読む (yomu) → 読め！ (yome!) (Read!)
  • Group 2 Verbs: Drop -ru and add -ro.
  • 食べる (taberu) → 食べろ！ (tabero!) (Eat!)
  • 見る (miru) → 見ろ！ (miro!) (Look!)
  • Irregular Verbs:
  • する (suru) → しろ！ (shiro!) (Do it!)
  • 来る (kuru) → こい！ (koi!) (Come!)
Example

走れ！ (Run!)

Finally, for blunt negative commands, use ~な (na), which attaches directly to the dictionary form of the verb.
Example

触るな！ (Don't touch!)

Example

心配するな！ (Don't worry!)

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: 私は来週、旅行に行こうと思います。(I'm thinking of going on a trip next week.) - if the trip is already booked and confirmed.
✓ Correct: 私は来週、旅行に行きます。(I'm going on a trip next week.)
*Explanation:* ~ようと思う implies a tentative plan or a thought. For a definite, decided plan, use the plain form or ます form.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 友達に「これ、食べろ！」と言った。(I told my friend, Eat this!)
✓ Correct: 友達に「これ、食べよう！」とか「これ、食べない？」と言った。(I told my friend, "Let's eat this! or Want to eat this?")
*Explanation:* The Imperative Form (命令形) is very strong and can sound rude, even among friends. For casual suggestions or offers, the Volitional Form (~よう) or other softer forms are much more appropriate.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 私は日本語を話そうとしたいです。(I want to try to speak Japanese.)
✓ Correct: 私は日本語を話したいです。(I want to speak Japanese.) OR 私は日本語を話そうとしています。(I am trying to speak Japanese.)
*Explanation:* ~ようとする means to attempt to or
to be about to.
If your intention is to want to, use ~たい (tai). If you are currently making an effort, then ~ようとしている is correct. The want to try combination is redundant.

Real Conversations

A

A

今日、一緒に図書館に行こうか？ (Shall we go to the library together today?)
B

B

いいね！でも、その前にちょっと調べたいことがあるから、先に家で準備しようと思う。(Sounds good! But before that, there's something I want to research, so I'm thinking of preparing at home first.)
A

A

あ！電車が閉まろうとしている！ (Ah! The train is about to close!)
B

B

走れ！ (Run!)
A

A

彼はいつも宿題をしようとしない。(He never tries to do his homework.)
B

B

先生に言うなよ。(Don't tell the teacher.)

Quick FAQ

Q

What is the main difference between ~ようと思う and ~つもりです when expressing intentions?

~ようと思う expresses a more tentative or evolving intention ("I'm thinking of doing X

), whereas ~つもりです indicates a more definite and decided plan (
I intend to do X").

Q

Can I use the Imperative Form (命令形) in all casual situations?

No, the Imperative Form (命令形) is generally very blunt and carries a strong sense of command. Even in casual settings, it's typically reserved for urgent situations, sports, or very close, informal male-to-male interactions. It's often perceived as rude or harsh in general conversation.

Q

How do you form the Japanese Volitional Form (~よう) for Group 2 verbs?

For Group 2 verbs (which end in -ru), simply drop the final -ru and add ~よう. For example, 見る (miru) becomes 見よう (miyou), and 食べる (taberu) becomes 食べよう (tabeyou).

Q

Is ~な (na) an appropriate way to tell someone "don't do X" in most situations?

No, ~な (na) is an extremely blunt and direct negative command. It's often used by superiors to inferiors, in emergencies, or in very informal and sometimes aggressive contexts. For general polite requests or suggestions not to do something, gentler forms like ~ないでください (~naide kudasai) or ~ない方がいい (~nai hou ga ii) are preferred.

Cultural Context

In Japanese communication, direct commands are generally avoided in favor of more indirect and polite expressions. The Imperative Form (命令形) and the negative command ~な (na) are very strong and their use is highly restricted to specific social dynamics (e.g., parent to child, teacher to student in certain contexts, or in emergencies) or very informal, sometimes aggressive, male speech. You'll hear them frequently in anime, sports, or military contexts, but applying them broadly in daily interactions can be perceived as rude.
Instead, the Japanese Volitional Form (~よう) is a safe and common way to make friendly suggestions, and indirect requests using ~てください (~te kudasai) or questions like ~ませんか (~masen ka) are much more prevalent. Understanding these nuances is vital for effective and respectful communication in Japan.

주요 예문 (6)

1

Ashita, umi ni ikou!

내일 바다 가자!

자, 하자! 일본어 의지형 (~you)
2

Kyou wa ie de yukkuri yasumou to omou.

오늘은 집에서 푹 쉴까 해.

자, 하자! 일본어 의지형 (~you)
3

I'm thinking of studying abroad in Japan next year.

내년에 일본으로 유학을 가려고 생각하고 있어요.

~하려고 생각하다: 의도와 계획 (～ようと思う)
4

I'm tired today, so I think I'll go to bed early.

오늘은 이제 피곤하니까 일찍 자려고 해.

~하려고 생각하다: 의도와 계획 (～ようと思う)
5

そのボタンに{触|さわ}る나！

그 버튼 만지지 마!

멈춰! ～나(な)를 이용한 부정 명령
6

俺たちの約束を{忘|わす}れるなよ。

우리 약속 잊지 마라.

멈춰! ～나(な)를 이용한 부정 명령

팁과 요령 (4)

⚠️

사회적 거리두기 주의!

상사나 선생님처럼 격식을 차려야 하는 분께는 이 반말 권유형을 쓰면 무례해 보여요. 그럴 땐 반드시 «{先生|せんせい}、{一緒|いっしょ}に{食|た}べましょう»처럼 정중한 형태를 쓰세요.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 자, 하자! 일본어 의지형 (~you)
🎯

SNS에서 활용하는 팁

할까 말까 고민될 때는 ～ようかな를, 마음을 굳혔을 때는 ～ようと思う를 써보세요. «{買|か}おうと{思|おも}う»라고 하면 의지가 더 확실해 보여요!
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ~하려고 생각하다: 의도와 계획 (～ようと思う)
💡

반전을 예고하는 '앗!' 문법

이야기 중에 «～ようとした»가 들리면 바로 뒤에 '하지만(ga/kedo)'이 나올 확률이 높아요. 하려던 일이 실패했다는 복선이거든요. «「行こうとしたけど, 忘れ物をした。」»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 일본어 의지형 + to suru: 시도 또는 막 ~하려 함 (-you to suru)
⚠️

사회적 자살 행위 금지!

선생님이나 상사, 처음 본 사람에게는 절대 쓰지 마세요. «あっちへ行け»라고 하면 싸우자는 뜻이 될 수 있어요.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 일본어 명령형: 일상적인 명령 마스터하기 (Meireikei)

핵심 어휘 (6)

行こう(いこう) let's go しようとする to try to do 命令(めいれい) command 止(や)めろ stop it 入(はい)るな do not enter つもり intention/plan

Real-World Preview

users

Saturday Plans

Review Summary

  • Verb (Volitional) + よ/ね
  • Volitional + と思(おも)う
  • Volitional + とする
  • Verb (Imperative)
  • Dictionary form + な

자주 하는 실수

Volitional form is for casual settings. Use ～ましょう for superiors.

Wrong: 食(た)べようよ、先生(せんせい)。
정답: 食(た)べましょう、先生(せんせい)。

Must use the volitional base before とする, not the dictionary form.

Wrong: 行(い)くしようとする。
정답: 行(い)こうとする。

Negative imperative uses the dictionary form, not the imperative form.

Wrong: 食(た)べろな！
정답: 食(た)べるな！

Next Steps

You have navigated the complexities of intent and command. Keep practicing these in your daily conversations!

Listen to a podcast and identify 3 suggestions.

Continue to: Defining Limits and Extremes

빠른 연습 (10)

괄호 안에 알맞은 의지형을 넣어 문장을 완성하세요.

{明日|あした}는 {早|はや}く (______) 라고 {思|お}います. (동사: {起|お}きる)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {起|お}きよう
{起|お}きる는 2그룹 동사예요. 마지막 'る'를 빼고 'よう'를 붙이면 의지형이 됩니다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ~하려고 생각하다: 의도와 계획 (～ようと思う)

문장에서 틀린 부분을 찾아 올바르게 고쳐보세요.

Find and fix the mistake:

{今夜|こんや}는 {勉強|べんきょう}한다고 {思|お}う.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {今夜|こん야}는 {勉強|べんきょう}하려고 {思|어}우.
자신의 의지를 말할 때는 기본형(suru)이 아니라 의지형(shiyou)을 써야 합니다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ~하려고 생각하다: 의도와 계획 (～ようと思う)

동사를 반말 권유형으로 바꿔보세요.

{コーヒー|こーひー}를 {飲|の}___。(커피 마시자.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: もう
1그룹 동사인 {飲む|のむ}는 '무'를 '모'로 바꾸고 '우'를 붙여 {飲もう|のもう}가 됩니다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 자, 하자! 일본어 의지형 (~you)

'오지 마'라는 뜻의 가장 단호하고 강한 명령형은 무엇일까요?

가장 직설적인 표현을 고르세요:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ここに来るな
{来|く}る라는 사전형에 나를 붙인 형태가 가장 강한 금지 명령이에요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 멈춰! ～나(な)를 이용한 부정 명령

상대방에게 무언가를 '먹지 마'라고 강하게 명령하는 문장을 완성하세요.

이를___！ (먹다: {食|た}べる)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {食|た}べる나
금지 명령형을 만들려면 동사 사전형인 {食|た}べる 뒤에 な를 붙여야 해요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 멈춰! ～나(な)를 이용한 부정 명령

의지를 나타내는 문장에서 틀린 부분을 고치세요.

{日本|にほん}에 {行こう|이코우}たいです。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {日本|에혼}에 {行|이}こう라고 {思|오모}っています。
권유형은 'tai'와 직접 쓸 수 없어요. 의지를 말할 땐 '~you to omotte imasu' 형식을 써야 해요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 자, 하자! 일본어 의지형 (~you)

오랫동안 생각해온 목표를 말할 때 가장 자연스러운 문장은?

꾸준히 품어온 꿈을 이야기해보세요:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {日本語|にほんご}의 {先生|せんせい}가 되려고 {思|어}っている.
～ている는 상태의 지속을 나타내서, 예전부터 해온 생각을 말할 때 가장 적절해요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ~하려고 생각하다: 의도와 계획 (～ようと思う)

잘못된 활용을 고쳐보세요.

Find and fix the mistake:

{行こう|이코우}와 하는 했다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {行こう|이코우}와 했다.
suru와 shita를 동시에 쓸 필요는 없어요. suru를 과거형인 shita로 바꾸기만 하면 됩니다. Ikou to shita가 정답이에요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 일본어 의지형 + to suru: 시도 또는 막 ~하려 함 (-you to suru)

'자려고 했다'라는 문장을 완성해 보세요.

{私|わたし}는 {寝|ね}___とした。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: よう
{寝る|ねる}는 2그룹 동사예요. ru를 빼고 you를 붙여서 neyou가 됩니다. 전체 문장은 neyou to shita가 돼요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 일본어 의지형 + to suru: 시도 또는 막 ~하려 함 (-you to suru)

상대방이 도와줄 마음이 전혀 없음을 나타내는 문장은?

올바른 부정형을 고르세요:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {彼|かれ}는 {手伝おう|てつ다오우}와 하지 않는다.
~ou to shinai는 '~하려고 하지 않는다' 또는 '의지가 없다'는 뜻이에요. ~ou to shita는 시도했다는 뜻이고요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 일본어 의지형 + to suru: 시도 또는 막 ~하려 함 (-you to suru)

Score: /10

자주 묻는 질문 (6)

친구 사이라도 도움을 제안할 때는 {手伝いましょうか|てつだいましょうか}처럼 정중하게 묻는 경우가 많아요. 정말 친하다면 {手伝おうか|てつだおうか}라고 할 수도 있죠.
아니요, 권유형은 '의지'가 있어야 해요. 날씨 요정이 아닌 이상 «비야 내려라» 같은 뜻으로 {降ろう|ふろう}라고는 하지 않아요.
문장 끝을 어떻게 맺느냐에 달려 있어요! ～ようと思う는 친구 사이의 반말이고, ～ようと思います는 정중한 표현이에요. 처음 본 사람에게는 «{行|い}こうと{思|お}います»라고 하세요.
가장 자연스러운 방법은 ～ないようにしようと思う라고 하거나 やめる(그만두다) 같은 동사를 쓰는 거예요. 예를 들어 «{飲|の}まないようにしようと{思|お}う»(안 마시려고 해)처럼요.
Te miru는 결과를 보려고 실제로 행동을 해본 것이고, You to suru는 행동을 시작하려 노력하거나 막 하려는 순간을 뜻해요. «「食べてみる」는 먹어보는 것, 「食べようとする」는 먹으려고 시도하는 거예요.»
아니요. 장기적인 노력은 {勉強|べんきょう}している를 쓰세요. You to suru는 지금 당장 책을 펴고 앉으려는 그 순간에만 어울려요. «「勉強しようとしている」는 지금 막 공부를 시작하려는 찰나를 말해요.»
이전 챕터
The Passive Voice: Actions and Impacts
다음 챕터
Defining Limits and Extremes
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