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)

Verb ようと思う (Verb-you to omou)

1. Introduction

The grammar structure ようと思う (you to omou) is commonly used in Japanese to express one’s intention or thoughts about doing something. This grammar point allows speakers to convey plans or determinations clearly and effectively.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The structure ようと思う combines two parts:

• よう: This is the volitional form of a verb, indicating intention or an action one is planning to take.
• と思う: This translates to "I think" or "I suppose," adding a layer of thought or opinion regarding the action.

Meaning, Structure, Formation

• Structure:

  Verb (dictionary form) + ようと思う
  

• Example:

  • 食べる (tabe-ru) → 食べよう (tabe-you)

  Combining this will give:

  • 食べようと思う (tabe-you to omou) → "I think I will eat."

Visual Aids

3. Comparative Analysis

Compared to ことにする (koto ni suru), which means to decide to do something, ようと思う emphasizes personal intention rather than a firm decision.

• ようと思う: Indicates personal intention ("I think I will...")
• ことにする: Indicates a decision made ("I have decided to...")

Example Comparison

• 行こうと思う: "I think I will go."
• 行くことにする: "I have decided to go."

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Context:
   • 来週の会議に出席しようと思います。
   • (Raishuu no kaigi ni shusseki shiyou to omoimasu.)
   • "I think I will attend the meeting next week."
2. Informal Context:
   • 明日、映画を見ようと思ってる。
   • (Ashita, eiga o miyou to omotteru.)
   • "I’m thinking of watching a movie tomorrow."
3. Written Context:
   • その本を読むようにしようと思います。
   • (Sono hon o yomu you ni shiyou to omoimasu.)
   • "I think I will try to read that book."
4. Spoken Context:
   • 友達と旅行に行こうと思う。
   • (Tomodachi to ryokou ni ikou to omou.)
   • "I think I will go traveling with my friends."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, expressing intentions politely is crucial. Using ようと思う in the formal context shows respect and consideration for the listener. Japanese often favors indirectness and nuance in conversation.

Idiomatic Expressions

• ようと思う is often used in discussions of personal goals or aspirations, such as "毎日運動しようと思う。" (Mainichi undou shiyou to omou) — "I think I will exercise every day."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Confusing the volitional form with the plain form.
   • Incorrect: 食べると思う (taberu to omou)
   • Correct: 食べようと思う (tabe-you to omou)

Learning Strategies

• Remember the structure visually:
  • Think of よう as the bridge from the verb to intention, leading into と思う (the thought).

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ようと思う is used to express intention.
• It consists of the volitional form of a verb plus と思う.
• Ensure to use the correct volitional form to avoid mistakes.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "I think I will study" in Japanese?
2. What is the difference between ようと思う and ことにする?

Answers

1. 勉強しようと思う (benkyou shiyou to omou).
2. ようと思う indicates personal intention, while ことにする indicates a decision made.