When expressing your thoughts or opinions in Japanese, one of the most useful phrases you need to know is 〜と思おもう (〜とおもう). This phrase translates to “I think” in English and is commonly used in everyday conversations. Let’s break it down and explore different ways to use it naturally!

Basic Structure of 〜と思おもう

The phrase 〜と思おもう consists of:

• 〜と → A quotation particle that marks what is being thought. (equivalent to “that”)
• 思おもう → The verb “to think.”

Example:

これは美味おいしいと思おもう。(Kore wa oishii to omou.) → “I think this is delicious.”

Using 〜と思おもう with Different Word Types

You can use 〜と思おもう with different types of words, but the way you attach it varies slightly.

1. With Plain Form Verbs

When using 〜と思おもう with verbs, use their plain form (dictionary form or past tense).

Examples:

• 日本にほんに行いくと思おもう。 (Nihon ni iku to omou.) → “I think I will go to Japan.”
• 彼かれは来こないと思おもう。 (Kare wa konai to omou.) → “I think he won’t come.”

2. With Adjectives

Both い-adjectives and な-adjectives follow the plain form rule:

い-adjectives:

• この映画えいがは面白おもしろいと思おもう。 (Kono eega wa omoshiroi to omou.) → “I think this movie is interesting.”

な-adjectives:

• 彼かれは親切しんせつだと思おもう。 (Kare wa shinsetsu da to omou.) → “I think he is kind.”

For な-adjectives and nouns, you need to include だ before と思おもう in casual speech.

3. With Nouns

• これはいいアイデアだと思おもう。 (Kore wa ii aidea da to omou.) → “I think this is a good idea.”
• 彼かれは先生せんせいだと思おもう。 (Kare wa sensee da to omou.) → “I think he is a teacher.”

Polite and Casual Forms

• 思おもいます (omoimasu) → Polite form (used in formal speech).
• 思おもう (omou) → Casual form (used with friends and in informal settings).

Example:

• これは大切たいせつだと思おもいます。 (Kore wa taisetsu da to omoimasu.) → “I think this is important.” (Polite)
• これは大切たいせつだと思おもう。 (Kore wa taisetsu da to omou.) → “I think this is important.” (Casual)

Negative Form: 〜ないと思おもう

To say “I don’t think…”, use the negative short form (～ない) ＋ と思おもう.

We express more like “I think it’s not …” in Japanese.

Example:

• それは本当ほんとうじゃないと思おもう。 (Sore wa hontoo janai to omou.) → “I don’t think that’s true.”
• 彼かれは来こないと思おもう。 (Kare wa konai to omou.) → “I don’t think he will come.”

Asking for Opinions with 〜と思おもいますか？

To ask “What do you think?”, simply use と思おもいますか？ (to omoimasu ka?)

Example:

• この映画えいがについてどう思おもいますか？ (Kono eega nitsuite doo omoimasu ka?) → “What do you think about this movie?”

More Variations of “I Think”

• 〜と思おもっています → Used when talking about ongoing thoughts or plans.
  • Ex: 日本にほんに住すもうと思おもっています。 (Nihon ni sumoo to omotteimasu.) → “I’m thinking of living in Japan.”
• 〜かな (casual) → Used when you are unsure.
  • Ex: 明日雨あしたあめが降ふるかな？ (Ashita ame ga furu kana?) → “I wonder if it will rain tomorrow.”

Practice Using 〜と思おもう

Try making your own sentences using 〜と思おもう! Here are some prompts to help you:

1. 日本語にほんごを学まなぶのは楽たのしいと思おもいますか？ (Do you think learning Japanese is fun?)
2. 寿司すしは美味おいしいと思おもいますか？ (Do you think sushi is delicious?)
3. 日本にほんに住すみたいと思おもいますか？ (Do you think you want to live in Japan?)
4. 今年ことしは暑あつくなると思おもいますか？ (Do you think it will be hot this year?)
5. あの映画えいがは面白おもしろいと思おもいますか？ (Do you think that movie is interesting?)
6. 未来みらいにAIはもっと発展はってんすると思おもいますか？ (Do you think AI will develop more in the future?)
7. 友達ともだちは約束やくそくを守まもると思おもいますか？ (Do you think your friend will keep their promise?)
8. 日本にほんの文化ぶんかは面白おもしろいと思おもいますか？ (Do you think Japanese culture is interesting?)
9. スポーツをするのは健康けんこうにいいと思おもいますか？ (Do you think playing sports is good for health?)
10. 旅行りょこうするのは楽たのしいと思おもいますか？ (Do you think traveling is fun?)

Let’s practice together in the comments!

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