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

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

～つもりでした (〜tsumori deshita)

1. Introduction

In learning Japanese, expressing intentions and expectations about past actions is essential for effective communication. The grammar point ～つもりでした (〜tsumori deshita) allows speakers to convey that they intended to do something but didn't, or they believed something to be the case but it wasn't. This lesson will delve into the usage, structure, and nuances of ～つもりでした, ensuring you can confidently incorporate it into your conversations.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• Expressing past intentions that didn't happen: "I intended to do..."
• Expressing mistaken beliefs about the past: "I thought that..."

Structure

The formation of ～つもりでした depends on the type of verb or adjective used.

Formation Diagram

Detailed Explanation

• Verb Usage: When using verbs, you attach つもりでした to the plain dictionary form of the verb. This indicates that you had the intention to perform the action, but for some reason, it didn't happen.

  行く **(to go)** + つもりでした → 行くつもりでした
  

• Adjective and Noun Usage: When expressing what you believed something or someone was like, you use adjectives or nouns followed by つもりでした.

  • For な-adjectives and nouns, you use な or の before つもりでした.

    元気な **(healthy)** + つもりでした → 元気なつもりでした
    学生 **(student)** + の + つもりでした → 学生のつもりでした
    

3. Comparative Analysis

～つもりです vs. ～つもりでした

• ～つもりです: Expresses an intention to do something in the future.

  • Example: 明日、勉強するつもりです。(I intend to study tomorrow.)

• ～つもりでした: Expresses an intention that existed in the past but didn’t happen.

  • Example: 昨日、勉強するつもりでした。(I intended to study yesterday.)

～はずでした vs. ～つもりでした

• ～はずでした: Indicates an expectation that something was supposed to happen, often due to external circumstances.

  • Example: 電車は８時に来るはずでした。(The train was supposed to come at 8 o'clock.)

• ～つもりでした: Reflects personal intention or belief.

  • Example: ８時に起きるつもりでした。(I intended to wake up at 8 o'clock.)

4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. 旅行に行くつもりでしたが、病気になりました。
   • I intended to go on a trip, but I got sick.
2. その本を読むつもりでしたが、時間がありませんでした。
   • I was planning to read that book, but I didn't have time.

Informal Situations

1. 昨日パーティーに参加するつもりだったけど、忘れちゃった。
   • I was gonna attend the party yesterday, but I forgot.
2. 早く寝るつもりだったのに、映画を見てしまった。
   • I intended to sleep early, but I ended up watching a movie.

Expressing Mistaken Beliefs

1. 彼女は来るつもりでしたが、来ませんでした。
   • I thought she was going to come, but she didn't.
2. 自分では分かったつもりでした。
   • I thought I understood it myself.

5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Formality

• The structure ～つもりでした is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
• Adjust politeness by changing verb forms accordingly.
  • Formal: 〜つもりでした。
  • Informal: 〜つもりだった。

Social Norms

• Expressing failed intentions can be important in Japanese culture to explain one's actions politely.
• It shows responsibility and acknowledges the gap between intention and action, which is valued in maintaining harmonious relationships.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 〜たつもりで: Acting as if something is true.
  • Example: 貯金したつもりで、このお金を使います。(I'll use this money as if I had saved it.)

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using the wrong verb form
   • Incorrect: 行きましたつもりでした。
   • Correct: 行くつもりでした。
2. Confusing ～つもりでした with ～はずでした
   • Remember that つもり is about personal intention, while はず relates to expectations based on external factors.

Tips

• Mnemonic Device: "つもり" sounds like "sum more"—think of summing up your intentions.
• Remember the Time Frame: Use つもりでした for past intentions that didn't happen.
• Check the Verb Form: Always use the plain dictionary form of the verb before つもりでした.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～つもりでした expresses past intentions or beliefs that did not come to fruition.
• Formed with the dictionary form of the verb + つもりでした.
• Can also express mistaken beliefs about oneself or situations.
• Important to distinguish from similar grammar points like ～はずでした.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "I intended to call you, but I was busy" in Japanese?
2. What is the difference between ～つもりでした and ～はずでした?
3. Which verb form is used before つもりでした? Answers
4. あなたに電話するつもりでしたが、忙しかったです。
5. ～つもりでした expresses personal intentions, ～はずでした expresses expected outcomes based on information.
6. The dictionary form of the verb.

By mastering ～つもりでした, you enhance your ability to discuss past intentions and reflect on actions, a subtlety that adds depth to your Japanese communication skills.