Indicate One’s Intentions or Plans: つもり
In Japanese, the expression "つもり" is commonly used to indicate one's intentions or plans. This phrase is versatile and can be used to convey a variety of intentions, from future actions to assumptions about oneself or others. Let's explore the basic uses and structures of "つもり" and related grammatical patterns, keeping it simple and clear for beginners.
Basic Structure and Usage
The fundamental structure for using "つもり" involves attaching it to the plain form of a verb. This expression can be used to state what you or someone else plans to do or intends to do. Here’s a breakdown:
Structure Example (Japanese) Translation (English) Verb (plain form) + つもりです いく つもり です。 I plan to go. Verb (plain form) + つもりでした かう つもり でした。 I intended to buy. Verb (plain form) + つもりじゃない しない つもり じゃ ない。 I don’t plan to do (something).
きょう えいが を みる つもり です。 - I plan to watch a movie today.
あした かれ に あう つもり でした。 - I intended to meet him tomorrow.
たべる つもり じゃ ない。 - I don't plan to eat.
Related Structures
- つもりで: This structure can express an intention or resolve with a stronger nuance. It often implies a commitment or determination.
Verb (plain form) + つもりで
Expresses a strong intention or commitment.
かつ つもりで がんばる。 - I will do my best to win.
- つもりでいる: This emphasizes that the speaker has been planning to do something for some time. It conveys a continuous intention.
Verb (plain form) + つもりでいる
Shows a continuous intention or planning.
にほん に いく つもりでいる。 - I have been planning to go to Japan.
- つもりになる: This structure is used when someone starts feeling like they have done or will do something, even if it's just in their mind.
Verb (plain form) + つもりになる
To start to feel like you will do something.
りょうり が できる つもりになっている。 - I feel like I can cook.
- つもりだったが: Indicates a change in plans or intention.
Verb (plain form) + つもりだったが
Used to indicate an intention that was not followed through.
でんわ する つもりだったが、わすれた。 - I intended to call, but I forgot.
The use of "つもり" and its related structures helps convey plans, intentions, and even changes in decisions. It's an essential part of everyday Japanese that beginners can use to express their plans clearly. Whether you're talking about future activities or reflecting on past intentions, mastering "つもり" will significantly enhance your ability to communicate in Japanese.
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In Japanese, the expression "つもり" is commonly used to indicate one's intentions or plans. This phrase is versatile and can be used to convey a variety of intentions, from future actions to assumptions about oneself or others. Let's explore the basic uses and structures of "つもり" and related grammatical patterns, keeping it simple and clear for beginners.
Basic Structure and Usage
The fundamental structure for using "つもり" involves attaching it to the plain form of a verb. This expression can be used to state what you or someone else plans to do or intends to do. Here’s a breakdown:
| Structure | Example (Japanese) | Translation (English) |
|---|---|---|
| Verb (plain form) + つもりです | いく つもり です。 | I plan to go. |
| Verb (plain form) + つもりでした | かう つもり でした。 | I intended to buy. |
| Verb (plain form) + つもりじゃない | しない つもり じゃ ない。 | I don’t plan to do (something). |
きょう えいが を みる つもり です。 - I plan to watch a movie today.
あした かれ に あう つもり でした。 - I intended to meet him tomorrow.
たべる つもり じゃ ない。 - I don't plan to eat.
Related Structures
- つもりで: This structure can express an intention or resolve with a stronger nuance. It often implies a commitment or determination.
Verb (plain form) + つもりで
Expresses a strong intention or commitment.
かつ つもりで がんばる。 - I will do my best to win.
- つもりでいる: This emphasizes that the speaker has been planning to do something for some time. It conveys a continuous intention.
Verb (plain form) + つもりでいる
Shows a continuous intention or planning.
にほん に いく つもりでいる。 - I have been planning to go to Japan.
- つもりになる: This structure is used when someone starts feeling like they have done or will do something, even if it's just in their mind.
Verb (plain form) + つもりになる
To start to feel like you will do something.
りょうり が できる つもりになっている。 - I feel like I can cook.
- つもりだったが: Indicates a change in plans or intention.
Verb (plain form) + つもりだったが
Used to indicate an intention that was not followed through.
でんわ する つもりだったが、わすれた。 - I intended to call, but I forgot.
The use of "つもり" and its related structures helps convey plans, intentions, and even changes in decisions. It's an essential part of everyday Japanese that beginners can use to express their plans clearly. Whether you're talking about future activities or reflecting on past intentions, mastering "つもり" will significantly enhance your ability to communicate in Japanese.