Future Intent: I plan to... (つもり / Volitional + と思う)
つもり for firm plans and Volitional + と思っている for ideas you are currently considering.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Express your future plans using {つもり|つもり} for firm intentions or {思う|おもう} for personal thoughts.
- Use {辞書形|じしょけい} + {つもり|つもり} for a firm plan: {行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}です (I plan to go).
- Use {ない形|ないけい} + {つもり|つもり} for negative plans: {行かない|いかない} {つもり|つもり}です (I don't plan to go).
- Use {意向形|いこうけい} + {と|と} {思う|おもう} for a softer, personal intention: {行こう|いこう}と{思う|おもう} (I think I'll go).
Overview
In Japanese, expressing future actions goes far beyond the simple non-past tense (～ます). While 行きます (ikimasu) can mean "I will go," it often sounds like a sterile statement of fact, similar to reading an item from a schedule. To convey the human element of planning—the thoughts, decisions, and resolutions behind your future actions—you need to use grammar that expresses intent.
This is a fundamental concept in Japanese communication, allowing you to sound more natural and to signal the firmness of your plans.
The two primary structures for this at the A2 level are ～つもり (tsumori) and the Volitional form + と思っている (to omotte iru). Think of them as different settings on a dial for intentionality. ～つもり represents a firm, conscious decision, a plan you have settled on.
In contrast, the Volitional + と思っている expresses a more reflective, less-decided intention—something you are "thinking of" doing. Mastering these two patterns is essential for moving from simply stating future events to discussing your personal goals, ambitions, and weekend plans like a native speaker.
How This Grammar Works
～つもり (tsumori): The Confirmed Intentionつもり literally translates to "intention" or "plan." When you attach it to a verb, you are stating that the action is your settled intention. It’s not just a fleeting thought or a vague desire; it’s a decision you have made. You can think of it as having mentally moved the action from the "ideas" folder to your internal "to-do list." It implies a relatively high degree of confidence and resolve.来年、日本へ行くつもりです (Rainen, Nihon e iku tsumori desu), you are communicating, "I plan to go to Japan next year." This suggests you've already done some thinking, made a decision, and are now stating it as a concrete plan. The plan originates from your will and is presented as such. The pitch accent is つもり [tsùmori], with the stress on the first two morae.と思っている (to omotte iru): The Considered Intention行こう, ikō) with the quoting particle と (to) and the continuous state verb 思っています (omotte imasu, I am thinking). This structure reveals that the idea has been on your mind, but it hasn't necessarily solidified into a non-negotiable plan.～つもり.来年、日本へ行こうと思っています (Rainen, Nihon e ikō to omotte imasu), translates to, "I am thinking of going to Japan next year." This suggests the plan is still in a thoughtful, developmental stage. You are sharing your current thinking, not a final verdict. It is often preferred when discussing plans that are not yet 100% certain or when you wish to sound more modest about your ambitions.～つもりだ / です | Volitional + と思っている |Formation Pattern
～つもり Pattern
つもり to the plain form of a verb. Remember that つもり is a noun, so it is often followed by the copula だ (plain) or です (polite).
つもり + だ / です
つもり + だ / です
plan to...) | Negative Intention (plan not to...) |
書く (write) | 書くつもりです | 書かないつもりです |
調べる (check) | 調べるつもりです | 調べないつもりです |
する (do) | するつもりです | しないつもりです |
来る (come) | 来るつもりです | 来ないつもりです |
と思っている Pattern
と思っている phrase.
ikōkei)
-u vowel sound to the -o sound and add う. | 買う (kau) | 買おう (kaō) | Let's buy |
待つ (matsu) | 待とう (matō) | Let's wait |
～る (~ru) and add ～よう (~yō). | 食べる (taberu) | 食べよう (tabeyō) | Let's eat |
起きる (okiru) | 起きよう (okiyō) | Let's wake up |
する (suru) | しよう (shiyō) | Let's do |
来る (kuru) | 来よう (koyō) | Let's come |
と + 思う (omou) / 思っています (omotte imasu)
飲もう + と思っています → 飲もうと思っています (I'm thinking of drinking.)
卒業しよう + と思っています → 卒業しようと思っています (I'm thinking of graduating.)
思っています (omotte imasu) over 思います (omoimasu). The former implies the thought has been held over time, which is natural for a plan. The latter suggests the thought just occurred to you, making the plan sound much weaker. (See Common Mistakes for more).
When To Use It
～つもり in these situations:- 1Stating a Firm Decision or Resolution: This is for plans you are committed to. It’s perfect for New Year's resolutions or when declaring a significant life choice. The emphasis is on your strong will.
タバコはもう吸わないつもりです。
大学院に進学するつもりです。
- 1Politely Declining by Stating a Conflicting Plan: When someone invites you to do something, bluntly saying no (
行きません) can be too harsh. By stating a conflicting plan with～つもり, you soften the refusal by providing a reason.
- A:
今夜、食事でもどうですか？(How about dinner or something tonight?) - B:
すみません、今夜は家で仕事をするつもりなので…。(I'm sorry, because I plan to work at home tonight...)
- 1Confirming Your Negative Intention:
～つもりis extremely useful for clearly stating something you have decided not to do. It shows resolve in avoidance.
あの店では、もう二度と買い物をしないつもりだ。
と思っている in these situations:- 1Sharing Developing Plans or Ideas: This is the most common use. It's for plans that are still being considered and are not yet set in stone. It’s the conversational way to talk about future possibilities.
週末は映画でも見に行こうかなと思っています。
夏休みに北海道へ旅行しようと思っています。
- 1Sounding Modest or Less Assertive: When discussing plans with a superior, a client, or in a formal setting, using
～つもりcan sometimes sound too bold or presumptuous. The～しようと思っていますform is softer and shows that you are proposing an idea rather than declaring a fixed course of action.
こちらのデータも参考に、資料を修正しようと思っております。(More formaliru->oru)
- 1Expressing Plans Conditional on Other Factors: Because this form is for less-certain plans, it works well when a plan depends on something else happening first.
もし時間があれば、新しいカフェに寄ろうと思っています。
Common Mistakes
つもり Interrogation～つもりですか to ask a superior (e.g., a boss, a teacher) about their plans. While grammatically correct, it carries an accusatory nuance, as if you are questioning their intentions or demanding they justify themselves. It's equivalent to saying, "And just what do you intend to do?"先生、どうするつもりですか？ | 先生、どうなさいますか？ (Honorific) |先生、どうしますか？ (Standard Polite) |部長、明日の会議に出るつもりですか？ | 部長、明日の会議にはご出席の予定ですか？ |～ご予定ですか (go-yotei desu ka - Are you scheduled...?) or ～ますか (-masu ka).と思う Instead of と思っている～しようと思っています is almost always the better choice. ～しようと思います (...to omoimasu) suggests the thought or decision was made at the exact moment of speaking. This makes the plan sound spontaneous and weak.日本へ行こうと思います。(Sounds like: "Hmm, you know what? I think I'll go to Japan." A sudden, fleeting idea.)日本へ行こうと思っています。(Sounds like: "I've been thinking of going to Japan." A considered plan.)
-te iru form.～つもり for Uncontrollable Events～つもり requires a subject with will or intention. You cannot use it for natural phenomena or events outside of anyone's control. A cloud cannot "plan" to rain.- Incorrect:
明日、雨が降るつもりです。 - Correct:
明日、雨が降るでしょう。(It will probably rain tomorrow.) - Correct:
明日、雨が降りそうです。(It looks like it will rain tomorrow.)
～ます Form for Personal Plans～ます form for all future actions. While not strictly wrong, it lacks the nuance of personal intention.週末、図書館へ行きます。(This weekend, I will go to the library. - A simple statement of fact.)週末、図書館へ行くつもりです。(This weekend, I plan to go to the library. - Expresses your personal decision.)
Real Conversations
Let's see how these patterns appear in natural dialogue.
Scenario 1
- A: 来週の月曜、休みになったんだけど、何かしない？
(I got next Monday off, wanna do something?)
- B: いいね！そうだな… 最近できたアウトレットに行こうかと思ってるんだけど、どう？
(Sounds great! Let's see... I've been thinking of going to that new outlet mall, what do you think?)
- A: あ、そこ！私も行きたかったんだ。じゃあ、それにしよう！
(Oh, that place! I wanted to go too. Okay, let's do that!)
- B: じゃあ、朝10時に駅でいい？絶対に遅刻しないつもりだから！
(Okay, is 10 AM at the station good? I plan to absolutely not be late!)
Scenario 2
- Manager: この件、どうしましょうか。
(What should we do about this matter?)
- Employee: はい、まずは関係者にヒアリングを行い、問題点を整理しようと思っております。
(Yes, first I am thinking of conducting interviews with the stakeholders to organize the problem points.)
- Manager: わかりました。それでお願いします。
(Understood. Please proceed with that.)
Scenario 3
- Kenji: 今日の夜ごはん、どうする？
(What's the plan for dinner tonight?)
- Yumi: うーん、特に決めてないけど、パスタでも作ろうかなって思ってる。
(Hmm, haven't decided, but I'm thinking maybe I'll make pasta or something.)
- Kenji: いいね！じゃあ、僕はワイン買って帰るつもり！
(Nice! In that case, I plan to buy wine and come home!)
Quick FAQ
～つもり and ～予定 (yotei)?This is a crucial distinction. つもり is for subjective intention, while 予定 is for an objective schedule. つもり comes from your own mind; 予定 is often on a calendar and may have been set by others.
会議に出席するつもりです。 | I plan to attend the meeting. | This is my personal decision/resolve to attend. |会議に出席する予定です。 | I am scheduled to attend the meeting. | It's on my calendar as a factual event. |つもり to do your homework, but the train has a 予定 to arrive at 5 PM.～つもり in the past tense? What does ～たつもりだった mean?Yes, and it's a very useful form. ～たつもりだった has two key meanings:
- 1A plan that did not happen: It expresses an intention you had in the past that was not fulfilled. "I had planned to... but..."
昨日は勉強するつもりだったけど、疲れて寝てしまった。
- 1A mistaken belief: It can also mean "I thought I had done..." or "I did it with the intention of it being complete," implying a discrepancy between your perception and reality.
部屋をきれいに掃除したつもりだったのに、まだ埃っぽい。
そのつもり used in conversation?そのつもりです is a very common set phrase used to confirm that you share the intention just mentioned. It means, "That's the plan," or "Yes, I intend to."
- A:
明日のパーティー、ちゃんと来てくれる？(You are going to come to the party tomorrow, right?) - B:
はい、そのつもりです。(Yes, that's my intention.)
と思っている to talk about other people's plans?Not directly. Since と思っている refers to your own internal thoughts, you cannot be certain about another person's. To talk about someone else's apparent intention, you need to add grammar that indicates conjecture, such as ～だろう or ～ようだ.
- He is thinking of quitting:
彼は会社を辞めようと思っているようだ。 (It seems he is thinking of quitting the company.)彼は会社を辞めようと思っているのだろう。 (He is probably thinking of quitting the company.)Formation of Intent
| Verb Type | Dictionary Form | Volitional Form | Intent (Tsumori) | Soft Intent (Volitional + Omou) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Group 1
|
{行く|いく}
|
{行こう|いこう}
|
{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}
|
{行こう|いこう}と{思う|おもう}
|
|
Group 2
|
{食べる|たべる}
|
{食べよう|たべよう}
|
{食べる|たべる} {つもり|つもり}
|
{食べよう|たべよう}と{思う|おもう}
|
|
Group 3
|
{する|する}
|
{しよう|しよう}
|
{する|する} {つもり|つもり}
|
{しよう|しよう}と{思う|おもう}
|
|
Group 3
|
{来る|くる}
|
{来よう|こよう}
|
{来る|くる} {つもり|つもり}
|
{来よう|こよう}と{思う|おもう}
|
Meanings
These patterns express future intent, ranging from firm personal plans to spontaneous thoughts about what one might do.
Firm Plan
Expressing a definite intention to do something.
“{来年|らいねん}、{日本|にほん}へ{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}です。”
“{今日|きょう}は{勉強|べんきょう}する {つもり|つもり}です。”
Spontaneous Thought
Expressing a decision made in the moment or a soft intention.
“{今|いま}から{寝よう|ねよう}と{思う|おもう}。”
“{明日|あした}は{早く|はやく} {起きよう|おきよう}と{思う|おもう}。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Dictionary + つもり
|
{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}です
|
|
Negative
|
Negative Dictionary + つもり
|
{行かない|いかない} {つもり|つもり}です
|
|
Soft Intent
|
Volitional + と思う
|
{行こう|いこう}と{思う|おもう}
|
|
Past Intent
|
Dictionary + つもりだった
|
{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}でした
|
|
Question
|
Dictionary + つもりですか
|
{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}ですか
|
|
Past Negative
|
Negative Dictionary + つもりでした
|
{行かない|いかない} {つもり|つもり}でした
|
Formality Spectrum
{店|みせ}に{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}でございます。 (Daily life)
{店|みせ}に{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}です。 (Daily life)
{店|みせ}に{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}だ。 (Daily life)
{店|みせ}に{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}。 (Daily life)
Intentionality Map
Firm
- {つもり|つもり} Intention
Soft
- {意向形|いこうけい} + {思う|おもう} I think I will
Tsumori vs. Yotei
Decision Flow
Is it a firm plan?
Usage Scenarios
Casual
- • Texting
- • Chatting
Formal
- • Interviews
- • Business
Examples by Level
{明日|あした}、{勉強|べんきょう}する {つもり|つもり}です。
I plan to study tomorrow.
{日本|にほん}へ{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}です。
I plan to go to Japan.
{今日|きょう}は{寝る|ねる} {つもり|つもり}です。
I plan to sleep today.
{買い物|かいもの}する {つもり|つもり}です。
I plan to go shopping.
{行かない|いかない} {つもり|つもり}です。
I don't plan to go.
{何|なに}を{食べよう|たべよう}と{思う|おもう}？
What do you think you'll eat?
{明日|あした}は{早く|はやく} {起きよう|おきよう}と{思う|おもう}。
I think I'll wake up early tomorrow.
{彼|かれ}は{来ない|こない} {つもり|つもり}らしい。
It seems he doesn't plan to come.
{会議|かいぎ}に{出席|しゅっせき}する {つもり|つもり}でしたが、{急用|きゅうよう}ができました。
I intended to attend the meeting, but an urgent matter came up.
{来年|らいねん}は{留学|りゅうがく}しようと{思って|おもって}います。
I am thinking of studying abroad next year.
{誰|だれ}も{行かない|いかない}なら、{私|わたし}が{行こう|いこう}と{思う|おもう}。
If no one is going, I think I will go.
{そんな|そんな} {つもり|つもり}じゃなかった。
That wasn't my intention.
{彼|かれ}の{話|はなし}を{聞こう|きこう}と{思って|おもって}いる。
I am thinking of listening to his story.
{プロジェクト|ぷろじぇくと}を{完了|かんりょう}させる {つもり|つもり}で{頑張って|がんばって}います。
I am working hard with the intention of completing the project.
{今日|きょう}は{残業|ざんぎょう}しない {つもり|つもり}だったのに。
I didn't plan to work overtime today, but...
{何|なに}か{新しい|あたらしい}ことを{始めよう|はじめよう}と{思う|おもう}。
I think I'll start something new.
{彼|かれ}が{辞める|やめる} {つもり|つもり}だとは{知らなかった|しらなかった}。
I didn't know he intended to quit.
{あえて|あえて} {行こう|いこう}と{思う|おもう}。
I think I will go, intentionally.
{成功|せいこう}する {つもり|つもり}で{挑んで|いどんで}いる。
I am challenging myself with the intention of succeeding.
{それ|それ}を{見よう|みよう}と{思う|おもう}。
I think I'll watch that.
{彼|かれ}の{真意|しんい}は、{行こう|いこう}と{思う|おもう}という{言葉|ことば}に{隠されて|かくされて}いた。
His true intention was hidden in the words 'I think I'll go'.
{何|なに}が{あっても|あっても}、{やり遂げる|やりとげる} {つもり|つもり}だ。
No matter what happens, I intend to see it through.
{そう|そう} {思おう|おもお}と{思えば|おもえば}、{思える|おもえる}。
If you think you'll think so, you can.
{彼|かれ}の{つもり|つもり}を{汲み取る|くみとる}。
To understand his intentions.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'plan', but one is subjective and one is objective.
Both express future ideas, but one is a plan and one is a desire.
Both express future, but one is soft and one is firm.
Common Mistakes
{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}です。
{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}です。
{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}だ。
{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}です。
{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}ます。
{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}です。
{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}たい。
{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}です。
{行く|いく}と{思う|お思う}。
{行こう|いこう}と{思う|お思う}。
{雨|あめ}が{降る|ふる} {つもり|つもり}です。
{雨|あめ}が{降る|ふる} {予定|よてい}です。
{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}を{する|する}。
{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}です。
{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}だったのに{行かない|いかない}。
{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}でしたが、{行けませんでした|いけませんでした}。
{彼|かれ}は{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}です。
{彼|かれ}は{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}のようです。
{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}で{いる|いる}。
{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}です。
{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}で{ある|ある}。
{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}だ。
Sentence Patterns
___ {つもり|つもり}です。
___ と{思う|お思う}。
{彼|かれ}は ___ {つもり|つもり}らしい。
{そんな|そんな} ___ {つもり|つもり}じゃなかった。
Real World Usage
{今|いま}から{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}！
{御社|おんしゃ}で{貢献|こうけん}する {つもり|つもり}です。
{明日|あした}は{京都|きょうと}へ{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}です。
{何|なに}を{頼もう|たのもう}と{思う|お思う}？
{来週|らいしゅう}、{旅行|りょこう}する {つもり|つもり}！
{来月|らいげつ}、{プロジェクト|ぷろじぇくと}を{開始|かいし}する {つもり|つもり}です。
Use Tsumori for personal intent
Don't use Tsumori for weather
Volitional + Omou is softer
Be polite
Smart Tips
Use the volitional form for spontaneous thoughts.
Distinguish between firm plans and soft thoughts.
Use Yotei for professional schedules.
Use Tsumori to explain your original intent.
Pronunciation
Tsumori
The 'tsu' is a sharp sound, like the 'ts' in 'cats'.
Volitional
The 'o' sound is long, like 'oh'.
Statement
Tsumori desu ↘
Falling intonation for certainty.
Question
Tsumori desu ka ↗
Rising intonation for questions.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Tsumori sounds like 'two more'—I have 'two more' plans to finish today!
Visual Association
Imagine a person holding a calendar (Yotei) vs. a person pointing at their own heart (Tsumori).
Rhyme
For a plan that's firm and cool, use Tsumori as your tool.
Story
Ken decided to go to the park. He said, 'I plan to go' (Tsumori). Then he saw clouds and thought, 'Maybe I'll stay home' (Volitional + Omou). He changed his mind in a second.
Word Web
Challenge
Write down three things you plan to do tomorrow using {つもり|つもり} and one thing you might do using the volitional form.
Cultural Notes
Japanese people often avoid being too direct. Using {つもり|つもり} is clear, but sometimes people use {予定|よてい} to sound more objective.
In business, you might use more humble language when stating your intentions to a client.
Among friends, you can drop the 'desu' and just use the dictionary form + {つもり|つもり}.
Tsumori comes from the verb {積もる|つもる} (to accumulate), implying an accumulation of thoughts or intentions.
Conversation Starters
{週末|しゅうまつ}は{何|なに}をしますか？
{今度|こんど}の{休み|やすみ}、{何|なに}をしようと{思います|おもいます}か？
{将来|しょうらい}、{何|なに}をしたいですか？
{今日|きょう}は{残業|ざんぎょう}する {つもり|つもり}ですか？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
{明日|あした}、{買い物|かいもの}する ___ です。
{何|なに}を ___ と{思います|おもいます}か？
Find and fix the mistake:
{雨|あめ}が{降る|ふる} {つもり|つもり}です。
{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}です。
A: {週末|しゅうまつ}は？ B: {家|いえ}で ___。
{つもり|つもり} / {私|わたし} / {行く|いく} / は / です
Sort from firm to soft.
{飲む|のむ} -> ?
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises{明日|あした}、{買い物|かいもの}する ___ です。
{何|なに}を ___ と{思います|おもいます}か？
Find and fix the mistake:
{雨|あめ}が{降る|ふる} {つもり|つもり}です。
{行く|いく} {つもり|つもり}です。
A: {週末|しゅうまつ}は？ B: {家|いえ}で ___。
{つもり|つもり} / {私|わたし} / {行く|いく} / は / です
Sort from firm to soft.
{飲む|のむ} -> ?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
13 exercises{パーティー|ぱーてぃー}には ____ つもりです。
{映画|えいが}を ____ と{思っています|おもっています}。
Construct the sentence.
Select the correct form.
Identify the issue.
Match the expression to the meaning.
Translate to Japanese using `つもり`.
もう{少し|すこし} ____ と{思います|おもいます}。
Select the negative intention.
Arrange the words.
{旅行|りょこう}に{行こう|いこう} ___ {思っています|おもっています}。
Fix the verb conjugation.
Select the best translation.
Score: /13
FAQ (8)
Generally no, unless you are reporting their stated intent. Use 'sou' (looks like) instead.
It is neutral. Add 'desu' to make it polite.
Tsumori implies human agency. Weather is uncontrollable.
Use the negative dictionary form: 'Ikanai tsumori desu'.
Tsumori is a plan; Tai is a desire.
Yes, 'Tsumori deshita' means you had a plan but didn't do it.
Yes, very common in daily conversation.
Use the volitional form + 'to omou' to show uncertainty.
Scaffolded Practice
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2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
I plan to / I think I will
English uses auxiliary verbs; Japanese uses noun/verb structures.
Tengo la intención de / Pienso + infinitive
Spanish uses infinitive verbs after the construction.
Ich habe vor zu / Ich denke, ich werde
German word order changes significantly.
打算 / 想
Chinese lacks the complex verb conjugation found in Japanese.
أنوي / أظن أنني سأ
Arabic has gendered verb forms.
J'ai l'intention de / Je pense que je vais
French uses prepositional phrases.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
The Extreme Emphasis Pattern: ~極まる / ~極まりない (Kiwamaru / Kiwamarinai)
Overview At the advanced stages of Japanese, expressing simple intensity with words like `とても` (totemo) or `非常に`...
Expressing Desire: "I want to..." (～tai)
Overview Japanese offers nuanced ways to express personal desire. The suffix `~tai` (～たい) is fundamental for articula...
Uncontrollable Feelings: ~てならない (~te naranai)
Overview Japanese grammar provides a rich toolkit for expressing internal states, and `~てならない` (`~te naranai`) is...
Before Doing X (Mae ni)
Overview In Japanese, establishing a clear sequence of events is fundamental to communication. The grammatical pattern...
Literary Similes: Like & As If (~gotoku / ~gotoki)
Overview Japanese offers several ways to express similes, but few carry the profound literary weight and stylistic versa...
