思っている

You usually place the particle と (to) before 思っている. This と acts like a quotation mark. For example, いいと思っている (ii to omotte iru) means "I think it's good." You can use it with adjectives, nouns, or verbs. If you're talking to a boss, change it to 思っています (omotte imasu). It’s a very versatile building block for any conversation.

Use this when you want to share a personal opinion. It’s perfect for talking about your future plans. "I'm thinking of going to Japan" uses this phrase. It’s also great for expressing empathy. You can tell a friend, "I'm thinking about you." It feels warm and consistent. Use it in meetings to suggest ideas gently. It sounds less aggressive than a blunt statement of fact.

Don't use 思っている for logical problem-solving. If you are doing a math problem, use 考えている (kangaete iru) instead. 思っている is for hearts and opinions, not calculators. Also, be careful when talking about other people. In Japanese, you usually can't 'know' what someone else is thinking. You might need to add ようだ (you da) or use たがっている (tagatte iru) for others' desires. Using it for yourself is always safe, though!

Japanese culture often avoids being too direct. Saying "This is bad" can feel like a slap. Saying "I think this is bad" using 思っている adds a layer of softness. It frames the statement as your personal 'state of mind.' This preserves 'wa' or social harmony. It shows you are humble about your own perspective. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a polite nod.

思っています (omotte imasu) is your go-to polite version. Use it at work. 思ってた (omotteta) is the casual past tense. Use it when you want to say "I knew it!" or "I was thinking that!" You might also hear 思っちゃっている (omocchatte iru) in very casual speech. This implies you're thinking something you probably shouldn't be. It’s the 'oops, I’m thinking it' version.