N4#intentions#grammar#purpose#n4

Expressing Intentions Lesson 5

Mastering the expression of purpose and intent using ために, と思う, and と言う.

Context

Setting the Scene

Have you ever wanted to explain why you are doing something or share your personal plans with a friend? In Japanese, expressing your purpose and your internal thoughts is a fundamental part of daily conversation.

Imagine you are studying hard for the JLPT. Your friend asks why you are always at the library. To answer, you need to connect your action (studying) with your goal (passing the exam). Similarly, when you want to tell someone about your future plans or what you think will happen, you need specific structures to link your thoughts to your speech.

Explanation

Core Structures

We use three main patterns to express intentions and purposes: ために for purpose, と思う for personal thoughts, and と言う for reporting speech.

Verb-dictionary formためにAction

The pattern [Verb] ために indicates the purpose of an action. It translates to 'in order to' or 'for the sake of'. Note that the verb before ために must be in the dictionary (plain) form.

Plain formと思うと言う

Tip

When using と思う (to think) or と言う (to say), the preceding verb or adjective must be in the plain form, not the polite -masu form.

Examples

Examples in Context

See how these grammar points function in natural sentences.

日本語(にほんご)を勉強する(べんきょうする)ために、日本(にほん)へ行きます(いきます)。

I am going to Japan in order to study Japanese.

日本語にほんごJapanese language勉強するべんきょうするto studyためにためにin order to日本にほんJapan行きますいきますgo

明日(あした)、雨(あめ)が降る(ふる)と思います(おもいます)。

I think it will rain tomorrow.

明日あしたtomorrow雨あめrain降るふるto fall (rain)ととquotation particle思いますおもいますthink

健康のために、毎日野菜を【食べます】。

Hint: Use the polite form of 'to eat'.

For the sake of my health, I eat vegetables every day.

Usage

Nuance and Register

Understanding when to use these patterns helps you sound more natural.

Purpose vs. Reason

〜ために

Purpose (Goal-oriented)

貯金するために働く

〜から

Reason (Cause-oriented)

疲れたから寝る

Which sentence correctly uses the plain form before と思う?

行きますと思います
✓ 行くと思います

Before と思う, you must use the plain (dictionary) form of the verb.

Deep dive

Deep Dive: Noun usage

You can also use nouns with ために.

When using a noun with ために, you must insert the particle の between them. For example: '健康のために' (for the sake of health). This is a common way to express goals related to objects or states.

Summary

Lesson Recap

You have learned how to express purpose using [Verb] ために and how to report thoughts or speech using [Plain form] と思う/言う. Practice these by describing your own daily goals!

ために

ためにparticle

in order to

思う

おもうverb

to think

言う

いうverb

to say

健康

けんこうnoun

health