Meaning
Combines the volitional form with と思う to state one's intention.
Formation
- Volitional + と思う: 行こうと思います
- と思っている marks an intention formed earlier
When to use it
- Core use
- I think I will do it
Examples
20 sentences-
来年日本へ留学しようと思っています
I am thinking of studying in Japan next year.
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今日は早く寝ようと思います
I intend to go to bed early today.
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週末に部屋を片づけようと思います
I am thinking of tidying my room this weekend.
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今年はJLPT N4を受けようと思っています
I am planning to take the JLPT N4 this year.
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明日先生に相談しようと思います
I am thinking of consulting the teacher tomorrow.
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これから毎日日記を書こうと思います
From now on, I intend to write a diary every day.
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次の休みに京都へ行こうと思っています
I am thinking of going to Kyoto on my next break.
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新しい仕事を探そうと思っています
I am thinking of looking for a new job.
12 more examples
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今夜は家で料理しようと思います
I am thinking of cooking at home tonight.
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この本を最後まで読もうと思います
I intend to read this book to the end.
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小さな荷物を運ぼうと思います
I am thinking of carrying the small luggage.
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来月から料理教室に通おうと思っています
I am thinking of taking cooking classes from next month.
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古い雑誌を捨てようと思います
I am thinking of throwing away the old magazines.
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台所の窓を開けようと思います
I am thinking of opening the kitchen window.
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旅行の写真を見ようと思います
I am thinking of looking at the travel photos.
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短い手紙を書こうと思います
I am thinking of writing a short letter.
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今度の休みは家でゆっくりしようと思います
I think I'll take it easy at home on my next day off.
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寒くなったので、新しいコートを買おうと思います
It has got cold, so I am thinking of buying a new coat.
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家の鍵を探そうと思います
I am thinking of looking for the house key.
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晩ご飯の準備をしようと思います
I am thinking of preparing dinner.
Important notes
- と思っている often describes an intention formed before the present conversation.
Common mistakes
- Put the volitional before と思う for intention: 行こうと思う. 行くと思う is a prediction or belief.
Check yourself
Pick the translation of each sentence. The wrong options translate similar patterns, so watch the grammar rather than the words.
Similar grammar
Hear it in podcasts
The pattern appears in these episodes. They open in the app with the transcript and translation.
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