Processing keyword: Verb ようと思う (Verb-you to omou)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb ようと思う (Verb-you to omou)

Grammar Lesson: Verb ようと思う (Verb + ようとおもう)

1. Introduction

The Japanese grammar pattern Verb ようと思う is used to express the speaker's intention or decision to perform an action. It conveys that the speaker is thinking of doing something or planning to do it in the near future. This structure is essential for sharing your plans, resolutions, or immediate decisions in a natural and culturally appropriate way.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• Verb ようと思う translates to "I think I will [verb]" or "I'm planning to [verb]".
• It expresses the speaker's intention or determination to carry out an action.

Structure

The basic structure is:

Verb (Volitional Form) + と思う

Formation Diagram

1. Conjugate the verb into the volitional form (意志形・いしけい).
2. Add 「と思う」 to express intention.

How to Form the Volitional Form

Group 1 Verbs (五段動詞)

Change the u vowel sound at the end of the dictionary form to the ō sound (おう).

Group 2 Verbs (一段動詞)

Replace the ending る with よう.

Irregular Verbs

Visual Aid: Formation Summary

3. Comparative Analysis

Verb ようと思う vs. Verb Dictionary Form + つもりだ

While both structures express intention, there are subtle differences:

• Verb ようと思う
  • Used for personal, often spontaneous intentions or decisions.
  • Implies that the decision is made just now or is not yet firm.
  • Example:
    • 日本語を勉強しようと思う。
    • "I think I will study Japanese."
• Verb Dictionary Form + つもりだ
  • Indicates a concrete plan or firm intention.
  • Suggests that the decision has been thought over and is more definite.
  • Example:
    • 日本語を勉強するつもりだ。
    • "I plan to study Japanese."

4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

1. 来月、出張しようと思います。
   • "I think I will go on a business trip next month."
2. 新しいプロジェクトを提案しようと思っています。
   • "I am thinking of proposing a new project."

Informal Context

1. 週末は海に行こうと思う。
   • "I'm thinking of going to the beach this weekend."
2. 今夜はカレーを作ろうと思っている。
   • "I'm planning to make curry tonight."

Written Context

1. 今年こそ、マラソンに挑戦しようと思います。
   • "I think I will challenge myself to a marathon this year."
2. 環境問題について調べようと思った。
   • "I thought I would research environmental issues."

Spoken Context

1. そろそろ寝ようと思うんだけど、あなたは？
   • "I'm thinking of going to bed soon; how about you?"
2. 昼ご飯はピザを注文しようと思う。
   • "I think I'll order pizza for lunch."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Subtlety and Politeness: In Japanese culture, expressing intentions tentatively is considered more polite. Using ようと思う allows speakers to share their plans without sounding overconfident or presumptuous.
• Avoiding Directness: It softens the statement, making it less direct and more considerate of others' opinions or potential objections.

Levels of Politeness

• Plain Form: と思う
  • Casual, used among friends or family.
  • Example: 映画を見ようと思う。
• Polite Form: と思います
  • Appropriate in formal settings or with acquaintances.
  • Example: 映画を見ようと思います。
• Humble Form: と思っています or と思っております
  • Even more polite, showing humility.
  • Example: 映画を見ようと思っております。

Idiomatic Expressions

• 気分転換に旅行しようと思う。
  • "I'm thinking of traveling for a change of pace."
• 一念発起して、会社を辞めようと思う。
  • "Having made up my mind, I think I'll quit my job."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using the Dictionary Form Instead of Volitional Form
   • Incorrect: 明日、早く起きると思う。
     • This means "I think I wake up early tomorrow," which doesn't express intention.
   • Correct: 明日、早く起きようと思う。
     • "I think I'll wake up early tomorrow."
2. Forgetting to Adjust Politeness Level
   • Using と思う in a formal setting can be too casual.
   • Correct: Use と思います or と思っています when necessary.
3. Confusion with そう
   • 間違い: 雨が降ろうと思う。
   • 正解: 雨が降りそうだ。
     • Use そう to express that something seems likely to happen (e.g., weather), not ようと思う.

Learning Strategies

• Practice Conjugation Regularly

  • Create flashcards with verbs in their dictionary form on one side and their volitional form on the other.

• Use Personal Intentions

  • Write down your plans for the day or week using ようと思う to make the practice relevant and memorable.

• Pay Attention to Politeness Levels

  • Observe how native speakers adjust their language in different contexts to become more familiar with appropriate usage.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Verb ようと思う is used to express personal intention or decision.
• It is formed by conjugating the verb into the volitional form and adding と思う.
• Be mindful of the politeness level and adjust と思う accordingly.
• Distinguish between ようと思う (spontaneous intention) and つもりだ (definite plan).

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with the correct volitional form: 来年、日本に____と思います。
   a) 行き
   b) 行こう
   c) 行く
2. Which of the following expresses a definite plan rather than a spontaneous intention? a) 彼は留学しようと思っています。
   b) 彼は留学するつもりです。
3. True or False: Verb ようと思う can be used to express someone else's intentions.

Answers:

1. b) 行こう
   • 来年、日本に行こうと思います。
   • "I think I will go to Japan next year."
2. b)
   • 彼は留学するつもりです。
   • "He plans to study abroad."
3. False
   • Typically, ようと思う is used to express the speaker's own intentions. To speak about someone else's intentions, phrases like ようと思っているようです ("it seems they are thinking of...") are used.

By understanding and practicing Verb ようと思う, you'll be able to express your intentions naturally and appropriately in Japanese conversations. Remember to pay attention to the context and adjust your politeness level accordingly. Keep practicing, and soon this grammar point will become a natural part of your Japanese language toolkit!