Japanese grammar
What does ～つもりで mean? Japanese grammar N3
～つもりで means with the intention of ~; as if ~; assuming that ~.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vる／Vた + つもりで |
| Romaji | tsumoride |
| Meaning | with the intention of ~; as if ~; assuming that ~ |
Forming it
| Connection | Vる／Vた + つもりで |
|---|
How to use it
States an assumed MINDSET when acting: treating it as if A were true (even though A isn't real) before doing B.
- 「～つもりで」 = with the mindset of treating it as A. 「旅行したつもりで貯金する」 = save the money as if you had already taken the trip.
- た-form = as if you had ALREADY done it; dictionary form = as if you WILL/are in that situation (「本番のつもりで練習する」).
- Different from 「～つもりだ」 (ends the sentence, states an intention): 「つもりで」 is an adverbial phrase leading into an action.
Examples
旅行したつもりで、そのお金を貯金した。
I saved the money as if I had taken a trip.
本番のつもりで練習してください。
Please practice as though it were the real event.
死んだつもりで、一からやり直します。
I’ll start over as though my old self had died.
Keep in mind
- This is an adverbial phrase leading into the following action.
- Nouns connect with 「の」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong本番にをつもりで練習する。
Correct本番のつもりで練習する。
Nouns connect to つもり with の.
-
Wrong留学するつもりで、来年行きます。
I plan to study abroad.
Correct留学するつもりです。
Stating an INTENTION requires ending the sentence with 「つもりだ」; 「つもりで」 is an assumed mindset leading into an action.
-
Wrong新人つもりで学ぶ。
I study with the mindset of a beginner.
Correct新人のつもりで学ぶ。
Nouns connect via 「の」 before 「つもりで」.
Exam tips
- 「つもりで」 = mindset of treating it as A (adverbial); different from 「つもりだ」 (intention, ends the sentence).