B1 · 中级 章节 4

Intentions, Suggestions, and Commands

5 总规则
51 例句
6 分钟
本章规则 快速练习

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.

你将学到什么

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.

章节指南

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.

关键例句 (8)

1

Ashita, umi ni ikou!

明天去海边吧！

让我们一起吧！日语意志形 (~you)
2

Kyou wa ie de yukkuri yasumou to omou.

我想今天在家里好好休息。

让我们一起吧！日语意志形 (~you)
3

Densha ni norou to shita toki, doa ga shimatta.

正要上电车的时候，门关上了。

日语意志形 + to suru：尝试或正要 (-you to suru)
4

Kare wa jibun no hi wo mitomeyou to shinai.

他根本不打算承认自己的错误。

日语意志形 + to suru：尝试或正要 (-you to suru)
5

{早|はや}く{行|い}け！

快点走！

日语命令形：掌握日常命令 (Meireikei)
6

もっと{頑張|加|がん|ば}れ！

再加把劲！/ 加油！

日语命令形：掌握日常命令 (Meireikei)
7

そのボタンに{触|さわ}るな！

别碰那个按钮！

停！使用 ～な (na) 的否定命令
8

俺たちの{約束|やくそく}を{忘|わす}れるなよ。

别忘了我们的约定。

停！使用 ～な (na) 的否定命令

技巧与窍门 (4)

⚠️

避开“长辈坑”

千万别对老板、老师或长辈用这种随意的意向形，这会显得你很没礼貌。这种场合请乖乖用 «～ましょう»。
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 让我们一起吧！日语意志形 (~you)
🎯

社交媒体达人必备

想听起来更像日本网友？纠结时用 «～ようかな»（要不要做呢...），下定决心时用 «～ようと思う»。比如：«新しいスマホを買おうかな。»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 打算做某事：意向与计划 (～ようと思う)
💡

“哎呀”语法

如果你在故事里听到 «～ようとした»，后面通常会跟着 «が» 或 «けど»。这预示着一个反转，即动作尝试了但失败了。比如：«寝ようとしたが、眠れなかった。»
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 日语意志形 + to suru：尝试或正要 (-you to suru)
⚠️

社交“自杀”规则

绝对不要对老师、老板或不熟的人用命令形！这会被视为极度无礼和挑衅。比如别对上司说：«{座|すわ}れ»。
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 日语命令形：掌握日常命令 (Meireikei)

核心词汇 (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

常见错误

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)。
正确: 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。
正确: 行(い)こうとする。

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

Wrong: 食(た)べろな！
正确: 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

快速练习 (10)

纠正这个表达意图的句子中的错误。

Find and fix the mistake:

{日本|にほん}に{行こう|いこう}たいです。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {日本|にほん}に{行こう|いこう}と{思って|おもって}います。
意向形不能直接接 'tai'。表达打算时，要用“~ようと思っています”或者直接用“~たい”表示欲望。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 让我们一起吧！日语意志形 (~you)

不规则动词 'suru' 的正确命令形是哪个？

选择正确形式：

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: しろ
'suru' 是不规则动词，命令形固定为 'shiro'。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 日语命令形：掌握日常命令 (Meireikei)

哪句话是“不准来”的正确禁止指令？

选择最生硬/强硬的命令：

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 这里に来るな
«{来|く}るな» 是动词原形加 «な»，构成了强硬的禁止命令。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 停！使用 ～な (na) 的否定命令

找出并修正句子中的错误。

{今夜|こんや}は{勉強|べんきょう}すると{思|おも}う。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
表达自己的意愿时，必须使用意向形 (shiyou) 而不是字典形 (suru)。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 打算做某事：意向与计划 (～ようと思う)

哪句话表达了长期的打算？

选择一个最自然的句子来表达你坚持了一阵子的目标：

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
～ている 表示思考的状态在持续，非常适合表达长期目标。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 打算做某事：意向与计划 (～ようと思う)

请填入正确的意向形。

{明日|あした}は{早|はや}く (______) と{思|おも}います。 (动词: {起|お}きる)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
{起|お}きる 是第二类动词，去掉 ~ru 加上 ~you 即可。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 打算做某事：意向与计划 (～ようと思う)

找出“吃蔬菜！”这个命令中的错误。

Find and fix the mistake:

野菜を{食|た}べれ！

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 野菜を{食|た}べろ！
对于 taberu 这样的二类动词，应将 'ru' 替换为 'ro'，而不是 're'。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 日语命令形：掌握日常命令 (Meireikei)

将动词改为随意的意向形。

{コーヒー|こーひー}を{飲|の}___。(咱们喝咖啡吧。)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: もう
对于1类动词{飲む|のむ}，将 'mu' 变为 'mo' 并加上 'u' 得到 {飲もう|のもう}。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 让我们一起吧！日语意志形 (~you)

修正变位错误。

Find and fix the mistake:

{行こう|いこう}とするした。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {行こう|いこう}とした。
你不需要同时用 suru 和 shita。只需将 suru 变为过去式 shita 即可。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 日语意志形 + to suru：尝试或正要 (-you to suru)

补全句子，表达“我正要睡觉”。

{私|わたし}は{寝|ね}___とした。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: よう
动词是 {寝る|ねる}（二类动词）。去掉 ru，加 you → neyou。完整短语是 neyou to shita。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 日语意志形 + to suru：尝试或正要 (-you to suru)

Score: /10

常见问题 (6)

在随意场合通常不这么用。想说“我帮你吧？”，即使是对朋友，用礼貌的 «{手伝いましょうか|てつだいましょうか}» 更好，不过关系极近时也会听到 «{手伝おうか|てつだおうか}»。
不行。意向形必须包含“人的意志”。除非你是雨神，否则不能说“下雨吧”。描述自然现象请用辞书形或其他结构。
这取决于结尾。«～ようと思う» 是随意的，而 «～ようと思います» 是礼貌的。跟不熟的人说话请用后者，比如 «日本に行こうと思います»。
最常用的方式是 «～ないようにしようと思う» 或者直接用反义动词。例如：«お酒を飲まないようにしようと思う» (我想试着不喝酒)。
«てみる» 是指你已经做了某事来看看结果。而 «ようとする» 是指你正努力去做，但可能还没完成或被打断了。比如：«食べてみた» 是吃过了，«食べようとした» 是正要吃。
不可以。长期的努力要用 «勉強している»。 «ようとする» 仅限于具体的瞬间，比如你正要坐下来打开书的那一刻。
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The Passive Voice: Actions and Impacts
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Defining Limits and Extremes
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