Processing keyword: ～つもりでした (〜tsumori deshita)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～つもりでした (〜tsumori deshita)

Grammar Point: ～つもりでした (〜tsumori deshita)

Introduction

The phrase ～つもりでした is a Japanese grammar structure used to express intentions or plans that were held in the past but were not realized or were changed. It gives a sense of regret about not being able to fulfill those intentions.

Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• つもり (tsumori) means "intention" or "plan."
• でした (deshita) is the past tense of the copula, indicating that the intention or plan is no longer valid.

Structure

The structure for using this grammar is:

• Verb (in plain form) + つもりでした
• Noun + の + つもりでした

Formation Diagram

[Plain Form Verb] + つもりでした
[の] +
[Noun] + つもりでした

Examples

• 行くつもりでした (iku tsumori deshita) - I intended to go.
• 勉強するつもりでした (benkyou suru tsumori deshita) - I intended to study.
• 日本に住むつもりでした (Nihon ni sumu tsumori deshita) - I intended to live in Japan.

Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• ～つもりです (tsumori desu): This form expresses an intention in the present or future (e.g., 行くつもりです - I intend to go.)
• ～つもりがない (tsumori ga nai): This construction indicates a lack of intention (e.g., 行くつもりがない - I have no intention of going.)

Key Differences

• ~つもりでした reflects on past intentions or plans that did not come to fruition, whereas ~つもりです expresses current or future intentions.
• ~つもりがない negates the intention entirely, which is a different nuance.

Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Context:
   • 先週、東京に行くつもりでしたが、予定が変わりました。(Senshuu, Toukyou ni iku tsumori deshita ga, yotei ga kawarimashita.)
   • I intended to go to Tokyo last week, but my plans changed.
2. Informal Context:
   • 明日、友達に会うつもりだったけど、行けなくなった。(Ashita, tomodachi ni au tsumori datta kedo, ikenakunatta.)
   • I was going to meet a friend tomorrow, but I can’t go.
3. Written Context:
   • 彼は大学に進学するつもりでしたが、急に就職を決めた。(Kare wa daigaku ni shingaku suru tsumori deshita ga, kyuu ni shuushoku wo kimeta.)
   • He intended to attend university, but he suddenly decided to get a job.
4. Spoken Context:
   • 旅行に行くつもりだったのに、雨がすごかった。(Ryokou ni iku tsumori datta no ni, ame ga sugokatta.)
   • I was planning to go on a trip, but it was raining heavily.

Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, expressing intentions and plans carries significant social weight. It reflects one's responsibility and respect toward others' time and commitments. Using ～つもりでした allows speakers to convey regret or a sense of accountability regarding their missed plans.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

The structure can be adapted for formal and informal settings. The formal version uses ～でした while informal speech often uses ～つもりだった.

Idiomatic Expressions

1. 行くつもりがあったのに (iku tsumori ga atta noni) - I had the intention to go, but…

Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Confusing つもりでした with つもりです: Remember that つもりです refers to current/future intentions, while つもりでした strictly refers to past intentions.
• Misusing verb forms: Always use the plain form of the verb before attaching つもりでした.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of つもり as "plan" and associate it with an intention sheet you might reflect on in the past (think of past planning).

Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～つもりでした indicates a past intention that was not fulfilled.
• The structure can involve verbs and nouns, and it is important to recognize the tense differences between つもりでした and つもりです.
• Cultural significance relates to one's responsibility and respect for others regarding commitments.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the meaning of つもり?
2. How would you express "I intended to study" using つもりでした?
3. What is the difference between つもりです and つもりでした? Answers:
4. Intention or plan.
5. 勉強するつもりでした (benkyou suru tsumori deshita).
6. つもりです refers to current/future intentions; つもりでした refers to past intentions.