Thinking of Doing: Intentions (～ようと思う)
～ようと思う to share your personal, not-yet-finalized plans and intentions in a natural, conversational way.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use the volitional form followed by 'to omou' to express your personal intentions or plans for the future.
- Use the volitional form (e.g., ikou) + to omou for personal intent: {行こう|いこう}と思う (I think I'll go).
- The volitional form is created by changing the final 'u' sound to 'ou' (for u-verbs) or adding 'you' (for ru-verbs).
- Use this for spontaneous decisions or long-term plans you are currently considering.
Overview
Japanese, unlike English, often places a greater emphasis on conveying the speaker's internal state and the nuance of their commitment to an action. The grammar pattern ～ようと思う (Volitional Form + と + 思う) is fundamental for expressing one's current intention or plan, implying a decision that has just been made or is still in the process of formation. It allows you to articulate a personal resolve without presenting it as a firm, unchangeable promise, thereby maintaining flexibility and reflecting the natural ebb and flow of human decision-making.
This pattern serves as a window into your immediate thought process, signaling to your listener that an idea or plan is currently occupying your mind. It's distinct from simply stating a future action because it highlights the act of thinking or intending. You're not just saying what you will do; you're sharing what you're considering or have decided to do at this moment.
Mastery of ～ようと思う is crucial at the B1 level, as it unlocks a more natural and nuanced expression of personal agency and planning in everyday Japanese communication.
How This Grammar Works
～ようと思う combines three distinct grammatical elements to form a cohesive expression of intent: the Volitional Form of a verb, the quoting particle と, and the verb 思う (to think). Understanding the individual function of each component is key to grasping the pattern's full meaning.いこうけい) itself signifies the speaker's will, desire, or intention. It can also function as an invitation or suggestion (e.g., 行こう – "Let’s go" or "I will go"). When used in ～ようと思う, it specifically denotes the speaker's internal drive towards an action.と acts as a quotative marker, indicating that the preceding clause is the content of the verb 思う. In this context, it functions much like quotation marks, essentially saying "thinking [that I will do X]" or "thinking [of doing X]." Without と, the grammatical structure would be incomplete or convey a different meaning entirely, typically indicating a belief about an external fact rather than an internal intention.思う (おもう) means "to think" or "to feel." When combined with the volitional form and と, it explicitly states that the volitional action is the object of your thought. The crucial nuance here lies in the aspect of 思う. When you use と思う (plain form), it often implies a decision made on the spot or a sudden realization of intent.今日は早く帰ろうと思う (Kyou wa hayaku kaerou to omou) suggests a present, immediate intention to go home early, perhaps just decided.～ている form, ～ようと思っている (Volitional Form + と + 思っている), conveys an intention that has been ongoing or held for some time. The ～ている form marks a continuous state or a result of an action, and here it indicates that the state of "thinking about X" has been persisting. Consider the sentence 日本語を勉強しようと思っています (Nihongo o benkyou shiyou to omotteimasu).思う and 思っている is vital for accurately reflecting the temporal context of your intentions and is frequently tested in intermediate-level Japanese.Formation Pattern
～ようと思う, you must first master the Volitional Form of Japanese verbs. Japanese verbs are categorized into three groups, and each group has a specific conjugation rule for the volitional form. Once you have the volitional form, you simply attach と and 思う (or 思っている) to it. Both casual and polite forms are frequently used, depending on the social context.
う sound of the dictionary form to the corresponding お sound in the same column of the hiragana chart, and then add う (う).
～ようと思う) | Meaning |
iku | 行こう | ikou | 日本に行こうと思う | I'm thinking of going to Japan. |
hanasu | 話そう | hanasou| 彼女に話そうと思う | I'm thinking of talking to her. |
nomu | 飲もう | nomou | コーヒーを飲もうと思う | I'm thinking of drinking coffee. |
matsu | 待とう | matou | 彼を待とうと思う | I'm thinking of waiting for him. |
る and add よう (よう).
～ようと思う) | Meaning |
taberu | 食べよう | tabeyou| 寿司を食べようと思う | I'm thinking of eating sushi. |
miru | 見よう | miyou | 映画を見ようと思う | I'm thinking of watching a movie. |
neru | 寝よう | neyou | 早く寝ようと思う | I'm thinking of going to bed early. |
okiru | 起きよう | okiyou | 明日は早く起きようと思う | I'm thinking of waking up early tomorrow. |
する (to do) and 来る (to come). You must memorize their volitional forms.
～ようと思う) | Meaning |
suru | しよう | shiyou | 宿題をしようと思う | I'm thinking of doing my homework. |
kuru | 来よう | koyou | 明日も来ようと思う | I'm thinking of coming tomorrow too. |
と and 思う/思っている
と + 思う (omou) / 思っている (omotteiru)
大学で日本語を勉強しようと思う (I'm thinking of studying Japanese at university.)
来年、日本に留学しようと思っている (I've been thinking of studying abroad in Japan next year.)
と + 思います (omoimasu) / 思っています (omotteimasu)
行く (H L) becomes 行こう (H L L). 食べる (H L L) becomes 食べよう (H L L L). While not always explicitly marked in dictionaries, observing native speech is helpful. The と particle is unaccented, and 思う usually has a flat accent (H L L).
When To Use It
～ようと思う is incredibly versatile and frequently employed in a wide array of situations where you need to convey your personal intentions, plans, or decisions. Its strength lies in its ability to express an internal thought process rather than a mere statement of fact or a firm command.- 1Expressing Personal, Immediate Intentions: Use this pattern for decisions made at the moment of speaking or for current thoughts about a future action. It's less definitive than saying "I will do X" (e.g.,
～するor～つもり).
- Scenario: You're just finishing dinner. "片付けを今しようと思う." (
Katazuke o ima shiyou to omou.) – "I think I'll clean up now." (A fresh decision). - Scenario: You're considering your evening. "今日はもう寝ようと思う." (
Kyou wa mou neyou to omou.) – "I think I'll just go to bed now." (An immediate personal choice).
- 1Discussing Ongoing Plans or Long-Held Intentions (
～ようと思っている): This is crucial for conveying that an intention is not spur-of-the-moment but has been a continuous consideration. This form highlights the state of having thought or continuing to think about something.
- Scenario: You've been planning for a trip. "夏休みに北海道へ行こうと思っています." (
Natsuyasumi ni Hokkaido e ikou to omotteimasu.) – "I've been thinking of going to Hokkaido during summer vacation." (This plan has been in your mind). - Scenario: You're contemplating a career change. "将来、海外で働こうと思っています." (
Shourai, kaigai de hatarakou to omotteimasu.) – "I've been thinking of working overseas in the future." (A long-term aspiration).
- 1Sharing Tentative Plans or Considerations: When you're not 100% committed or the plan is still flexible,
～ようと思うis a polite way to signal this. It leaves room for change without sounding indecisive or making false promises.
- Scenario: A friend asks about weekend plans. "週末は家でゆっくり休もうと思っているけど、まだ決めてないんだ." (
Shuumatsu wa ie de yukkuri yasumou to omotteiru kedo, mada kimetenainda.) – "I'm thinking of relaxing at home this weekend, but I haven't decided yet." (Tentative and open to alternatives).
- 1Before an Action is Initiated (but close to it): This pattern can also precede an action, indicating that the speaker is on the verge of performing it, or the decision has just been made and the action will follow immediately.
- Scenario: You are about to open a book. "そろそろ本を読もうと思う." (
Sorosoro hon o yomou to omou.) – "I think I'll start reading the book soon (now)."
- 1In Negative Contexts (with careful construction): While less common with the direct negative volitional, it can be used to express an intention not to do something, often by rephrasing with verbs like
やめる(to stop) orしない+でおこう.
- "もうゲームはやめようと思う." (
Mou ge-mu wa yameyou to omou.) – "I'm thinking of quitting games." (Intention to cease an action).
Common Mistakes
～ようと思う, primarily stemming from direct translation from English or a misunderstanding of Japanese cultural nuances regarding personal thoughts and external observations. Avoiding these common errors will significantly improve your fluency and naturalness.- 1Using
～ようと思うfor Someone Else's Intentions: This is perhaps the most significant and common mistake. In Japanese, you generally cannot directly state someone else's internal thoughts or intentions using～ようと思うbecause you are not privy to their mental state. While in English you might say, "He thinks he'll go home," a direct translation using～ようと思うis grammatically incorrect and unnatural.
- Incorrect:
✗ 彼は帰ろうと思う(He thinks he will go home.) - Why it's wrong: This implies you can peer into his mind and know his immediate, personal intention. Japanese grammar respects the boundary of personal experience.
- Correct Alternatives: To talk about someone else's intentions, you must use phrases that indicate you are making an observation or an inference. The most common is to use the
～ているform,～ようと思っている, which describes a state of having an intention (which can be observed or inferred from their actions/words), or use evidential expressions. ～ようと思っている(for others): This describes an observable state or an intention inferred from external cues. "彼は帰ろうと思っているでしょう." (Kare wa kaerou to omotteiru deshou.) – "He probably intends to go home." (You're inferring his state of mind).～らしい(It seems/appears that): "彼は帰ろうとするらしい." (Kare wa kaerou to suru rashii.) – "It seems he's thinking of going home."～そうだ(It looks like/I hear that): "彼は帰ると言っていたから、帰ろうとするそうだ." (Kare wa kaeru to itteita kara, kaerou to suru sou da.) – "He said he'd go home, so I hear he intends to go home."- Using
～とするwith～と思う(for others):田中さんは東京へ行こうとすると思います(I think Tanaka-san intends to go to Tokyo). This uses～とする(to try to do/be about to do) withと思う, making the intention of田中さんthe object of your thought.
- 1Confusing Volitional Form with Dictionary Form: A common error for beginners is to use the dictionary form (e.g.,
行く) instead of the volitional form (e.g.,行こう) beforeと. This changes the meaning significantly.
- Incorrect:
✗ 日本に行くと思う. - Why it's wrong:
日本に行くと思うactually means "I think (someone or something) will go to Japan," expressing a belief or prediction about an external event or another person's action, not your own intention. - Correct:
日本に行こうと思う.(I'm thinking of going to Japan.)
- 1Omitting the
とParticle: Theとparticle is indispensable here. Its absence renders the sentence grammatically incomplete or alters its meaning.
- Incorrect:
✗ 本を読もう思う. - Why it's wrong: Without
と,読もう思うis not a valid construction. Theとis necessary to mark the volitional clause as the content of思う. - Correct:
本を読もうと思う.(I'm thinking of reading a book.)
- 1Overuse or Misuse of Negative Volitional: While technically possible to form negative volitional with
～まい(～まいと思う), it sounds quite formal, dramatic, or old-fashioned in daily conversation. For most negative intentions, it's more natural to express the positive intention of stopping an action, or simply stating a decision not to do something with different grammar.
- Less natural but grammatically possible:
嘘を言うまいと思う.(I'm thinking of not telling lies.) - More natural alternatives:
- "もう嘘は言わないようにすると思う." (I'm thinking of trying not to lie anymore.)
- "ゲームはやめようと思う." (I'm thinking of quitting games.)
～ようと思う, it's helpful to clearly distinguish it from other patterns that express similar concepts like intention or desire. Subtle differences in nuance dictate which one to use.～ようと思う | Thinking of doing X; current, often fresh intention. | Low to Medium | 明日から運動しようと思う. (I'm thinking of exercising from tomorrow.) |～ようと思っている | Have been thinking of doing X; ongoing intention. | Medium | 将来、医者になろうと思っています. (I've been thinking of becoming a doctor in the future.) |～つもりだ | Intend to do X; a firm, established plan. | High (80-90%) | 来年、日本へ留学するつもりだ. (I intend to study abroad in Japan next year.) |～たい | Want to do X; expresses desire. | Varies by context | 寿司が食べたい. (I want to eat sushi.) (Doesn't imply a plan yet.) |～ことにする | Have decided to do X; a definitive decision. | Very High (100%) | 禁煙することにした. (I decided to quit smoking.) (Decision is final.) |～ことにしている | Have made it a habit/rule to do X. | Established habit | 毎日、日本語を勉強することにしています. (I make it a rule to study Japanese every day.) |Real Conversations
Understanding ～ようと思う in its theoretical context is one thing, but seeing how it functions in authentic, modern Japanese conversations is crucial for practical application. This pattern is ubiquitous, appearing in everything from casual chats to social media posts.
1. Casual Conversation Among Friends:
It's ideal for sharing tentative plans or current thoughts without needing to make a firm commitment.
- Friend A: "週末、なにするの？" (Shuumatsu, nani suru no?) - "What are you doing this weekend?"
- You: "うーん、家でゆっくり本を読もうと思うかな。でも、まだ迷ってる." (Uun, ie de yukkuri hon o yomou to omou kana. Demo, mada mayotteru.) - "Hmm, I'm thinking of just relaxing and reading at home. But I'm still debating it."
- Insight: The かな adds a layer of uncertainty, while 迷ってる (still deliberating) explicitly states the tentativeness, perfectly paired with ～ようと思う.
- You: "最近、太ってきたから、運動しようと思うんだ." (Saikin, futotte kita kara, undou shiyou to omounda.) - "I've gained weight recently, so I'm thinking of exercising."
- Insight: The んだ (explanatory のだ) adds a casual, explanatory tone, fitting for sharing a personal thought with a friend.
2. Professional or Formal Settings (Using Polite Forms):
When speaking with superiors, colleagues, or in formal situations, the polite ～ようと思います or ～ようと思っています is essential. It conveys professionalism while still indicating a personal plan or intention.
- You (to your boss): "来月から新しいプロジェクトに参加しようと思っております." (Raigetsu kara atarashii purojekuto ni sanka shiyou to omotte orimasu.) - "I am thinking of participating in the new project starting next month." (Very polite ～ております)
- Insight: Using the humble form おります (humble います) demonstrates respect, suitable for formal declarations of intent.
- You (in a meeting): "この提案について、もう少し考えようと思います." (Kono teian ni tsuite, mou sukoshi kangaeyou to omoimasu.) - "Regarding this proposal, I'm thinking of considering it a little more."
- Insight: This allows you to express your current thought process without making an immediate, firm decision.
3. Social Media and Texting:
In modern, informal communication, ～ようと思う (often shortened or combined with other particles) is very common for sharing quick updates on personal plans or moods.
- Tweet/Post: "今夜は家でNetflix見ようと思う!" (Konya wa ie de Netflix miyou to omou!) - "Thinking of watching Netflix at home tonight!"
- Text Message: "明日のランチ、ラーメン食べようと思ってるんだけど、どう？" (Ashita no ranchi, ramen tabeyou to omotteru n da kedo, dou?) - "I'm thinking of having ramen for lunch tomorrow, what do you think?"
- Insight: 思ってる is a casual contraction of 思っている. The ～んだけど (explanatory のだ + が) softens the suggestion, making it conversational.
4. Cultural Insight: The Nuance of Indirectness:
The frequent use of ～ようと思う reflects a broader aspect of Japanese communication: a preference for indirectness and the careful management of social harmony. By stating "I'm thinking of doing X" rather than "I will do X," you signal openness to unforeseen circumstances or alternative suggestions without appearing wishy-washy. It's a way to maintain flexibility and avoid potential social friction from overly firm statements that might later need to be retracted.
Quick FAQ
～ようと思う to clarify common points of confusion.～ようと思う and ～ようと思っている?～ようと思う indicates an intention or decision made just now or at the moment of speaking. It's like a sudden lightbulb moment of intent.今から勉強しようと思う (I'm thinking of studying from now). ～ようと思っている indicates an intention that has been ongoing or held for some time. It signifies a continuous state of planning or considering.将来、日本で働こうと思っています (I've been thinking of working in Japan in the future). This distinction is crucial for natural expression.～ようと思う with negative intentions?～まい can be combined with と思う (e.g., もう二度と失敗すまいと思う - I'm thinking of never failing again), it's generally not common in everyday speech. A more natural way to express a negative intention is to use a positive verb that implies negation, such as やめる (to stop) or しない combined with other auxiliary verbs or structures.- Instead of
✗ 食べまいと思う, say: "ジャンクフードは食べないようにしようと思う." (I'm thinking of trying not to eat junk food.) - Or more simply: "もう無駄遣いはやめようと思う." (I'm thinking of stopping wasteful spending.)
～ようと思う differ from simply saying "I will do X" (e.g., dictionary form + と + 思います)?と思います (e.g., 明日は雨が降ると思います - I think it will rain tomorrow) expresses a belief or prediction about a fact or another person's action, not your own intention. It translates to "I think that X will happen." ～ようと思う, on the other hand, specifically expresses your own volitional intention to perform an action. This is a critical distinction that avoids miscommunication regarding personal agency versus objective belief.～ようと思う in business communication?～ようと思います or, more commonly and politely, ～ようと思っています or even ～ようと存じます (humble, for very formal situations). It allows you to present a plan or course of action as your current intention or consideration, which can be useful when you need to propose something or explain your reasoning without stating it as an absolute directive. It maintains a respectful tone and room for discussion.- "この資料を明日までに作成しようと思います." (I'm thinking of creating these materials by tomorrow.)
～ようと思う sounds unnatural or overly cautious?～つもりだ is often more appropriate. For example, if you've already bought plane tickets for a trip, saying "旅行に行こうと思う" (Ryokou ni ikou to omou) might sound like you're still considering it.Ryokou ni iku tsumori da) would be more fitting.～ようと思う to talk about hypothetical intentions?Moshi jikan ga areba, eiga o miyou to omou.) - "If I have time, I'm thinking of watching a movie." This indicates a contingent intention, showing what you would consider doing under certain circumstances.Volitional Form Conjugation
| Verb Type | Dictionary | Volitional |
|---|---|---|
|
U-Verb
|
iku
|
ikou
|
|
U-Verb
|
nomu
|
nomou
|
|
Ru-Verb
|
taberu
|
tabeyou
|
|
Ru-Verb
|
neru
|
neyou
|
|
Irregular
|
suru
|
shiyou
|
|
Irregular
|
kuru
|
koyou
|
Meanings
This structure expresses a personal intention or a decision that the speaker has made or is currently considering.
Personal Intent
Expressing a plan the speaker has decided on.
“{今日|きょう}は{早|はや}く{寝|ね}ようと{思|おも}います。”
“{日本語|にほんご}を{勉強|べんきょう}しようと{思|おも}っています。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Volitional + to omou
|
ikou to omou
|
|
Progressive
|
Volitional + to omotte imasu
|
ikou to omotte imasu
|
|
Negative
|
Volitional + to omowanai
|
ikou to omowanai
|
|
Past
|
Volitional + to omotta
|
ikou to omotta
|
|
Question
|
Volitional + to omou?
|
ikou to omou?
|
|
Polite
|
Volitional + to omoimasu
|
ikou to omoimasu
|
Formality Spectrum
行こうと思います。 (Casual plan)
行こうと思う。 (Casual plan)
行こうかな。 (Casual plan)
行こっかな。 (Casual plan)
Intentions Map
Timeframe
- ima now
- mirai future
Nuance
- ketsui decision
- kangaeru thinking
Examples by Level
{明日|あした}、{勉強|べんきょう}しようと{思|おも}います。
I think I will study tomorrow.
{今日|きょう}は{家|いえ}に{帰|かえ}ろうと{思|おも}います。
I think I will go home today.
{本|ほん}を{読|よ}もうと{思|おも}います。
I think I will read a book.
{寝|ね}ようと{思|おも}います。
I think I will sleep.
{来年|らいねん}、{日本|にほん}へ{行|い}こうと{思|おも}っています。
I am thinking of going to Japan next year.
{新|あたら}しい{車|くるま}を{買|か}おうと{思|おも}っています。
I am thinking of buying a new car.
{仕事|しごと}を{辞|や}めようと{思|おも}っています。
I am thinking of quitting my job.
{運動|うんどう}を{始|はじ}めようと{思|おも}っています。
I am thinking of starting exercise.
{彼|かれ}に{電話|でんわ}しようと{思|おも}いましたが、やめました。
I thought about calling him, but I stopped.
{何|なに}を{食|た}べようと{思|おも}っていますか？
What are you thinking of eating?
{大学|だいがく}で{経済|けいざい}を{学|まな}ぼうと{思|おも}っています。
I am thinking of studying economics at university.
{週末|しゅうまつ}は{旅行|りょこう}しようと{思|おも}います。
I think I will travel this weekend.
{将来|しょうらい}は{起業|きぎょう}しようと{思|おも}っています。
I am thinking of starting a business in the future.
{彼|かれ}の{意見|いけん}を{聞|き}こうと{思|おも}います。
I think I will listen to his opinion.
{問題|もんだい}を{解決|かいけつ}しようと{思|おも}っています。
I am thinking of solving the problem.
{会議|かいぎ}の{準備|じゅんび}を{進|すす}めようと{思|おも}います。
I think I will proceed with the meeting preparation.
{現状|げんじょう}を{改善|かいぜん}しようと{思|おも}うのは{当然|とうぜん}です。
It is natural to think of improving the current situation.
{彼|かれ}の{提案|ていあん}を{受|う}け{入|い}れようと{思|おも}います。
I think I will accept his proposal.
{徹底的|てっていてき}に{調査|ちょうさ}しようと{思|おも}っています。
I am thinking of investigating thoroughly.
{方針|ほうしん}を{変|か}えようと{思|おも}っています。
I am thinking of changing the policy.
{長年|ながねん}の{夢|ゆめ}を{実現|じつげん}しようと{思|おも}っています。
I am thinking of realizing my long-held dream.
{社会|しゃかい}に{貢献|こうけん}しようと{思|おも}うのは{大切|たいせつ}です。
It is important to think about contributing to society.
{自己|じこ}を{成長|せいちょう}させようと{思|おも}う{姿勢|しせい}が{大事|だいじ}です。
The attitude of thinking about self-growth is important.
{伝統|でんとう}を{守|まも}ろうと{思|おも}う{心|こころ}が{大切|たいせつ}です。
The heart that thinks about protecting tradition is important.
Easily Confused
Both express future plans.
Both involve verbs.
Both are future-oriented.
Common Mistakes
iku to omou
ikou to omou
taberu to omou
tabeyou to omou
suru to omou
shiyou to omou
kuru to omou
koyou to omou
kare wa ikou to omou
kare wa iku tsumori da
ikou to omotte
ikou to omotte imasu
ikou omou
ikou to omou
ikou to omou desu
ikou to omoimasu
ikou to omotta desu
ikou to omoimashita
ikou to omou koto desu
ikou to omou
ikou to omou ga
ikou to omou no da ga
ikou to omou koto ni suru
ikou to kimeru
ikou to omou to omou
ikou to omou
Sentence Patterns
___をしようと思っています。
___へ行こうと思います。
___を読もうと思っています。
___を食べようと思います。
Real World Usage
今から行こうと思う！
御社で働こうと思っています。
タクシーを使おうと思います。
ピザを頼もうと思います。
今日は勉強しようと思う。
来年、留学しようと思っています。
Use 'omotte imasu'
Don't use for others
Soften your speech
Be indirect
Smart Tips
Use 'omotte imasu' instead of 'omou'.
Use 'omoimasu' instead of 'omou'.
Use 'kamoshirenai' if you aren't sure.
Use 'kana' for a casual feel.
Pronunciation
Volitional elongation
The 'ou' sound is long. Ensure you hold it for two beats.
Rising at the end
ikou to omou?
Asking for confirmation of intent.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'Yo-Yo' going up and down. You decide to play with it: 'Yo-Yo' + 'to omou' (I think I'll play).
Visual Association
Imagine yourself standing at a crossroads. You are pointing in one direction and saying 'I think I'll go that way'.
Rhyme
To show your plan, use the volitional span, then add 'to omou' to finish the clan.
Story
Ken is standing in front of a menu. He looks at the ramen. He thinks, 'I'll eat this'. He says, 'Ramen o tabeyou to omou'. He is happy with his choice.
Word Web
Challenge
Write down 3 things you are thinking of doing today using this grammar.
Cultural Notes
Using 'to omou' is a way to avoid being too direct, which is highly valued in Japanese culture.
Derived from the classical Japanese volitional form and the verb 'omou' (to think).
Conversation Starters
週末は何をしようと思っていますか？
今晩、何を食べるつもりですか？
将来、何をしたいですか？
明日、どこへ行こうと思いますか？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
私は日本へ___と思います。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
私は食べると思います。
思う / 行こう / 私は / と
What is the volitional of 'suru'?
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
行こうと思う -> ?
Can you use this for your friend's plans?
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises私は日本へ___と思います。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
私は食べると思います。
思う / 行こう / 私は / と
What is the volitional of 'suru'?
Taberu -> ?
行こうと思う -> ?
Can you use this for your friend's plans?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises[ {思|おも}っています / {買|か}おう / を / {新|あたら}しい / スマホ / と ]
I'm thinking of quitting my part-time job.
Match the pairs:
{日本|にほん}に{行|い}こう (____) {思|おも}っています。
Choose the correct form:
My brother thinks he will buy a car: {弟|おとうと}は{車|くるま}を{買|か}おうと{思|おも}います。
{友達|ともだち}が{遊|あそ}びに (______) と{思|おも}っている。(Verb: {来|く}る)
{行|い}こうと (______), {行|い}かなかった。
[ コーヒー / を / {飲|の}まない / と / {思|おも}う / ことに / しよう ]
Choose the 'sudden idea' form:
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Yes, but use 'omoimasu' for politeness.
Use 'kamoshirenai' instead.
No, 'tsumori' is firmer.
Use 'omowanai'.
Yes, 'omotta'.
It's a quotation particle.
Very common.
Suru/Kuru are special.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Pienso hacer...
Spanish uses the infinitive, Japanese uses the volitional form.
Je pense faire...
French uses the infinitive.
Ich habe vor zu...
German uses a different verb structure.
我打算...
Chinese does not conjugate verbs.
أنوي أن...
Arabic uses a noun-based intention structure.
～ようと思う
None.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Videos
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