Japanese grammar
What does ～つもりだ (convinced / believing) mean? Japanese grammar N1
～つもりだ (convinced / believing) means intend to…; be convinced / believing that….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | V辞書形 + つもりだ Vた/普通形 + つもりだ |
| Romaji | tsumorida |
| Meaning | intend to…; be convinced / believing that… |
Forming it
| Assumed | 言った + つもりだ |
|---|---|
| Intended | 行く + つもりだ |
How to use it
Two meanings: (a) intending to do something; (b) believing/assuming so (even though reality differs). Meaning (b) is the N1 point.
- Basic meaning (a): 「Vるつもりだ」 = intending to do — this is an N4 pattern.
- Advanced meaning (b) (the N1 point): 「Vたつもりだ」 = firmly BELIEVING one had done it, even though in reality one hadn't/it was different — 「言ったつもりだったが、伝わっていなかった」.
- The form 「～つもりはない」 = having no intention at all; see the separate entry for 「～つもりで」.
Examples
ちゃんと説明したつもりだったが、誤解されていた。
I thought I had explained it properly, but I was misunderstood.
来年は留学するつもりです。
I plan to study abroad next year.
Keep in mind
- Meaning (b) is a common exam point: た-form + つもり = firmly believed.
- Don't use 「つもり」 for a third person in meaning (a).
Common mistakes
-
Wrong彼は行くつもりです。
I hear he intends to go.
Correct彼は行くつもりだそうです。
「つもりだ」 (intending) refers to ONE'S OWN intention; talking about someone else's requires adding 「そうだ／らしい」.
-
Wrong説明するつもりだったが、誤解された。
I was sure I had explained it clearly, yet I was still misunderstood.
Correct説明したつもりだったが、誤解された。
The meaning "believed one HAD done it" uses the た-form + つもり; the dictionary form means "intend to do it".
Exam tips
- 「Vたつもりだ」 = believed one had... (though reality differs) — the N1 point; 「Vるつもりだ」 = intending to (N4).