Expressing Intentions in Japanese: Tsumori & Yotei
You've learned how to use the volitional form with 〜と思う to express what you're thinking of doing. Now, let's learn a more direct and firm way to state your intentions or plans: 〜つもりだ (tsumori da).
This pattern translates to "I intend to...", "I plan to...", or "I'm going to...". It indicates a stronger, more definite decision than 〜しようと思う.
How to Form 〜つもりだ
The formation is simple and applies to both affirmative and negative intentions.
Affirmative Intention ("I intend to...")
To state what you plan to do, use the dictionary form of the verb.
Verb (Dictionary Form) + つもりです
来年、日本へ留学するつもりです。(Rainen, Nihon e ryūgaku suru tsumori desu.)
I intend to study abroad in Japan next year.
Negative Intention ("I intend not to...")
To state what you plan *not* to do, use the ない-form of the verb.
Verb (ない-form) + つもりです
もうお酒を飲まないつもりです。(Mō o-sake o nomanai tsumori desu.)
I intend not to drink alcohol anymore.
〜つもりだ vs. Volitional + と思う
What's the difference between these two ways of expressing intention? It comes down to the level of certainty and when the decision was made.
| Form | Nuance | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 〜しようと思う (Volitional + to omou) |
A decision made "on the spot" or a less firm plan. "I think I'll...". | ああ、疲れた。今日は早く寝ようと思う。 (Aa, tsukareta. Kyō wa hayaku neyō to omou.) "Ah, I'm tired. I think I'll go to bed early today." |
| 〜つもりだ (tsumori da) |
A pre-existing, firm intention or a definite plan. "I plan to...". | 明日から運動するつもりです。 (Ashita kara undō suru tsumori desu.) "I plan to start exercising from tomorrow." |
With this, you can now express your intentions with more nuance, distinguishing between a thought you just had and a plan you've held for a while. Congratulations on finishing Chapter 6!