Processing keyword: ～ようと思う (〜you to omou)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～ようと思う (〜you to omou)

～ようと思う (〜you to omou)

1. Introduction

Expressing intentions and plans is essential in any language. In Japanese, one common way to convey your intention to do something is by using the grammar pattern ～ようと思う (〜you to omou). This structure allows you to articulate your decisions or what you're thinking of doing, often implying that you're considering or have just decided on a course of action.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

～ようと思う is used to express the speaker's intention, plan, or decision to take a specific action. It translates to:

• "I'm thinking of doing..."
• "I intend to do..."
• "I plan to do..."

Structure

The formation involves combining the volitional form of a verb with と思う (to omou, meaning "to think").

Formation Diagram

Volitional Form of Verb + と思う

How to Form the Volitional Verb Form

Group 1 Verbs (Godan verbs): Change the -u ending to -ō.

Usage Notes

• ～ようと思う can be used in both present and past tense.
  • Present tense (と思う): The intention is formed just now or is still under consideration.
  • Continuous form (と思っている): The intention has been held for some time.
• The subject is usually the speaker when using this structure.
• Can be used to make plans sound less assertive or to invite others subtly.

3. Comparative Analysis

～ようと思う vs. ～つもりだ

Both grammar points express intentions or plans, but there's a nuance:

• ～ようと思う indicates you're considering or leaning towards an action.
• ～つもりだ expresses a decided plan with more certainty.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. 来月から新しいプロジェクトを始めようと思っております。 Raigetsu kara atarashii purojekuto o hajimeyō to omotte orimasu. "I am thinking of starting a new project from next month."
2. 弊社はサービスの向上に努めようと思います。 Heisha wa sābisu no kōjō ni tsutomeyō to omoimasu. "Our company plans to strive for service improvement."

Informal Situations

1. 週末は友達とキャンプに行こうと思う。 Shūmatsu wa tomodachi to kyanpu ni ikō to omou. "I'm thinking of going camping with friends this weekend."
2. そろそろ帰ろうと思うんだけど、一緒に来る？ Sorosoro kaerō to omou n da kedo, issho ni kuru? "I'm thinking of heading home soon; want to come along?"

Spoken Conversation

1. 夏休みに海外旅行をしようと思っているんだ。 Natsu yasumi ni kaigai ryokō o shiyō to omotte irun da. "I'm planning to travel abroad during summer vacation."
2. 新しいギターを買おうと思うんだけど、何かおすすめある？ Atarashii gitā o kaō to omou n da kedo, nani ka osusume aru? "I'm thinking of buying a new guitar; do you have any recommendations?"

Written Communication

1. 次回の会議で提案を発表しようと思います。 Jikai no kaigi de teian o happyō shiyō to omoimasu. "I plan to present my proposal at the next meeting."
2. この度、ブログを始めようと思っております。 Kono tabi, burogu o hajimeyō to omotte orimasu. "I am considering starting a blog."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Indirect Communication: Japanese culture often values indirectness to maintain harmony. Using ～ようと思う softens statements about one's intentions, making them less forceful and more considerate.

Levels of Politeness

• ～と思います is polite and commonly used in formal contexts.
• ～と思っています adds formality and indicates the thought has been ongoing.
• In very formal situations, ～と思っております is used.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 一念発起して、 (Ichinen hokki shite,) ダイエットを始めようと思う。 "Having resolved firmly, I'm thinking of starting a diet."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using the Plain Form Instead of Volitional Form
   • Incorrect: 食べると思います。 (Taberu to omoimasu.)
   • Correct: 食べようと思います。 (Tabeyō to omoimasu.) "I think I will eat." vs. "I intend to eat." Plain form + と思う states an opinion or hearsay, not intention.
2. Confusing with First Person Statements
   • Incorrect: 彼は日本に行こうと思います。 (Kare wa Nihon ni ikō to omoimasu.)
   • Correct: 彼は日本に行こうと思っています。 (Kare wa Nihon ni ikō to omotte imasu.) When referring to someone else's intentions, use と思っています.

Learning Strategies

• Remember the Volitional Form:
  • Group 1 verbs: Change -u to -ō
    • 読む (yomu) → 読もう (yomō)
  • Group 2 verbs: Replace -ru with -yō
    • 寝る (neru) → 寝よう (neyō)
  • Irregular verbs:
    • する (suru) → しよう (shiyō)
    • 来る (kuru) → 来よう (koyō)
• Tip: Think of the volitional form as the "Let's..." form, which can help in remembering how to form it.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～ようと思う is used to express one's intention or plan to do something.
• Formed by attaching と思う to the volitional form of the verb.
• Be mindful of using the correct verb form to convey intention accurately.
• Understanding the nuances between similar expressions enhances communication.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Convert the verb 買う (kau) to the volitional form and use it with ～ようと思う to say "I intend to buy." Answer: 買おうと思う (Kaō to omou)
2. What is the difference in nuance between 日本に行こうと思います and 日本に行くつもりです? Answer: 日本に行こうと思います indicates you're thinking of going to Japan (intention may be newly formed or tentative), whereas 日本に行くつもりです expresses a firm plan to go to Japan.
3. True or False: When talking about someone else's intentions, you should use ～と思う. Answer: False. You should use ～と思っています to indicate someone else's ongoing thought or intention.

By understanding and practicing ～ようと思う, you'll be better equipped to express your intentions naturally in Japanese conversations.