When you want to talk about your plans or intentions in Japanese, one very natural and useful phrase is ～ようと思(おも)う. This expression lets you say things like “I’m planning to…” or “I think I’ll…”. Let’s break it down step by step so you can start using it today!

1. What Does ～ようと思おもう Mean?

The phrase ～ようと思(おも)う literally means “I think I will ~”, but in everyday conversation it’s often used to mean:

I plan to ~
I’m thinking of ~
I’ve decided to ~

It expresses your intention or decision about something you want to do in the future.

2. Volitional Form Quick Guide 📝

1. Take a verb in dictionary form (for u-verbs) or stem form (for ru-verbs).
2. Add ～よう (informal volitional form).
3. Add と思(おも)う at the end.

4. Examples in Action 💬

1. 来年日本らいねんにほんに行いこうと思おもいます。
   I plan to go to Japan next year.
2. ジムに通かよおうと思おもっている。
   I’m thinking of going to the gym regularly.
3. 新あたらしいパソコンを買かおうと思おもいます。
   I’m planning to buy a new computer.
4. 今日きょうは早はやく寝ねようと思おもう。
   I think I’ll go to bed early today.

5. Difference Between 思おもう and 思おもっている 🧐

• ～と思おもう → You just decided, or it’s a current thought.
  • 今日きょうから日記にっきを書かこうと思おもう。
    I’ve decided (just now) to start writing a diary.

• ～と思おもっている → It’s been your plan for a while, and you’re still thinking about it.
  • 日本語にほんごをもっと勉強べんきょうしようと思おもっている。
    I’ve been thinking about studying Japanese more.

6. Common Mistakes

• ❌ Using ます form before よう:
  • 食たべますようと思おもう → Wrong…
  • 食たべようと思おもう → Correct

• ❌ Forgetting to change to volitional form:
  • 行いくと思おもう (just “I think I’ll go”) ≠ 行いこうと思おもう (“I plan to go”)

7. Quick Recap ✨

～ようと思おもう is your go-to phrase when you want to talk about your plans, intentions, or decisions in Japanese.

Use the volitional form + と思う.
と思う = current decision, と思っている = ongoing plan.
Great for both casual and polite conversation!

✅ Practice Time

Try making your own sentences with ～ようと思う.

• “I plan to study Japanese tonight.” → 日本語にほんごを勉強べんきょうしようと思おもいます。
• “I think I’ll try that new restaurant.” → あの新あたらしいレストランに行いこうと思おもう。

Now it’s your turn! Translate these into Japanese using ～ようと思おもう:

I’m planning to save money for a trip. →

I plan to call my friend tonight. →

I think I’ll clean my room this weekend. →

I’m planning to start a new hobby. →

I think I’ll wake up early tomorrow. →

I’m planning to read this book during the holidays. →

I think I’ll make curry for dinner. →

I plan to visit my grandparents next month. →

I’m thinking of joining a dance class. →

I think I’ll study at the library today. →

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