N4#intentions#plans#verbs#n4-grammar

Expressing Intentions Lesson 7

This lesson covers how to express personal intentions and plans using the ~つもりです structure, building on your ability to talk about future goals.

Context

Making Plans

You have been studying Japanese for a while now, and you are starting to make concrete plans for your future. Whether it is deciding to study abroad, planning a trip to Kyoto, or simply choosing what to eat for dinner, expressing your 'intent' is a vital skill.

In Japanese, when you have a firm plan or a decision you have made, you use a specific grammatical structure to communicate that intention to others. This helps clarify that you are not just dreaming, but have actually decided on a course of action.

Explanation

The ~つもりです Structure

The pattern ~つもりです (tsumori desu) is used to express that you intend or plan to do something.

Verb-Dictionary Formつもりです

To form this, take the dictionary form of the verb and add つもりです. This structure indicates a personal intention or a plan that you have already decided upon. It is very common in daily conversation when discussing your schedule or future goals.

Tip

Remember that this uses the dictionary form (plain form), not the polite ~masu form. For example, use 行く (iku) + つもりです, not 行きます + つもりです.

Examples

Examples of Intentions

See how this grammar works in practice with these common scenarios.

来年(らいねん)、日本(にほん)へ行く(いく)つもりです。

I intend to go to Japan next year.

来年らいねんnext year日本にほんJapan行くいくto goつもりですつもりですintend to

今日(きょう)は早く(はやく)寝る(ねる)つもりです。

I intend to go to bed early today.

今日きょうtoday早くはやくearly寝るねるto sleep

私は新しい車を買う【つもり】です。

Hint: The word for 'intention'.

I intend to buy a new car.

Usage

Nuance and Usage

Understanding the weight of your words is important in Japanese culture.

Using ~つもりです implies a fairly strong personal decision. While it is not a 100% guarantee (like a contract), it suggests that you have put thought into your plan.

Which form of the verb should precede つもりです?

Masu-form
✓ Dictionary form
Te-form
Nai-form

You must use the dictionary (plain) form of the verb before つもりです.

Deep dive

Negative Intentions

What if you intend NOT to do something?

Negative form: ~ないつもりです

You can also express that you intend NOT to do something by using the negative dictionary form (nai-form) of the verb.

お酒を飲まない(のまない)つもりです。

I intend not to drink alcohol.

飲まないのまないnot drink

Summary

Lesson Summary

You have learned how to use ~つもりです to express your plans and intentions clearly. Remember to use the dictionary form of the verb to keep your grammar accurate.

つもり

つもりnoun

intention/plan

来年

らいねんnoun

next year

寝る

ねるverb

to sleep

買う

かうverb

to buy