B1 · Intermediate Chapter 4

Intentions, Suggestions, and Commands

5 Total Rules
51 examples
6 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

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.

What You'll Learn

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.

Chapter Guide

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.

Key Examples (8)

1

Ashita, umi ni ikou!

Let's go to the beach tomorrow!

Let's! Japanese Volitional Form (~you)
2

Kyou wa ie de yukkuri yasumou to omou.

I think I'll relax at home today.

Let's! Japanese Volitional Form (~you)
3

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

I've been thinking about studying abroad in Japan next year.

Thinking of Doing: Intentions (～ようと思う)
4

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

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

Thinking of Doing: Intentions (～ようと思う)
5

Densha ni norou to shita toki, doa ga shimatta.

Just as I was trying to get on the train, the doors closed.

Japanese Volitional Form + to suru: Attempting or About To (-you to suru)
6

Kare wa jibun no hi wo mitomeyou to shinai.

He simply won't admit his fault.

Japanese Volitional Form + to suru: Attempting or About To (-you to suru)
7

{早|はや}く{行|い}け！

Go quickly!

Japanese Imperative Form: Mastering Casual Commands (Meireikei)
8

もっと{頑張|がんば}れ！

Try harder! / Go for it!

Japanese Imperative Form: Mastering Casual Commands (Meireikei)

Tips & Tricks (4)

💡

Group 1 Trick

Just change the 'u' to 'ou'. It's that simple!
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Let's! Japanese Volitional Form (~you)
💡

Use 'omotte imasu'

Use 'omotte imasu' for long-term plans to sound more natural.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Thinking of Doing: Intentions (～ようと思う)
💡

The 'Oops' Grammar

If you hear ～ようとした in a story, expect a 'but' (ga/kedo) immediately after. It sets up a plot twist where the action failed.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Japanese Volitional Form + to suru: Attempting or About To (-you to suru)
⚠️

Social Danger

Never use this with your boss.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Japanese Imperative Form: Mastering Casual Commands (Meireikei)

Key Vocabulary (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

Common Mistakes

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)。
Correct: 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。
Correct: 行(い)こうとする。

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

Wrong: 食(た)べろな！
Correct: 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

Quick Practice (10)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 私は行こうと思う
Only for self.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Thinking of Doing: Intentions (～ようと思う)

Which is correct for 'Taberu'?

___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Group 2 verbs use 'you'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Let's! Japanese Volitional Form (~you)

Choose the correct imperative.

What is the imperative of 'kaku'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Group 1 u->e.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Japanese Imperative Form: Mastering Casual Commands (Meireikei)

Fill in the correct volitional form.

私は日本へ___と思います。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 行こう
Must use volitional form.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Thinking of Doing: Intentions (～ようと思う)

Conjugate '食べる' into the prohibitive form.

___な！

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Use the dictionary form.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Stop! Negative Commands with ～な (na)

Fix the error in '行くなさい'.

Find and fix the mistake:

行くなさい

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Confusing prohibitive and imperative.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Stop! Negative Commands with ～な (na)

Fill in the blank.

彼が___としている。(食べる)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 食べよう
Must use volitional.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Japanese Volitional Form + to suru: Attempting or About To (-you to suru)

Fix the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Ikou-masu

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Polite form is Ikimashou.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Let's! Japanese Volitional Form (~you)

Conjugate 'Iku' to volitional.

___ (Iku)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Group 1 u-verbs change to ou.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Let's! Japanese Volitional Form (~you)

Which is the correct prohibitive form of '行く'?

行く___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Add 'な' to the dictionary form.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Stop! Negative Commands with ～な (na)

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

No, use 'mashou' for polite situations.
They mean the same, but 'ikimashou' is polite.
Yes, but use 'omoimasu' for politeness.
Use 'kamoshirenai' instead.
Te miru means you actually did the action to see what the result is (trial). You to suru means you exerted effort to do it, but might not have finished it (attempt).
No. For long-term efforts, use {勉強|べんきょう}している (studying) or {頑張って|がんばって}いる (doing my best). You to suru is for the specific moment of sitting down and opening the book.
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The Passive Voice: Actions and Impacts
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Defining Limits and Extremes
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