Japanese grammar
What does ～ようと思う mean? Japanese grammar N4
～ようと思う means I think I will ~, I intend to ~.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N4 |
|---|---|
| Structure | V (volitional) + と思います V (volitional) + と思っています |
| Romaji | ~ (y)ō to omou |
| Meaning | I think I will ~, I intend to ~ |
Forming it
| How to form | Conjugate the verb to volitional form, then add と思います: 行く → 行こうと思います |
|---|---|
| Negating the intention | V (volitional) + とは思いません — or more naturally: V ないつもりです |
| ～と思っています | An intention held for a while, more certain than ～と思います |
How to use it
Talks about one's own intention, usually one that has just occurred or is not yet fully decided.
- This is the most common way to express intention in conversation. Unlike the volitional form standing alone (only for talking to oneself or inviting), ～ようと思います announces the intention to the listener.
- Important nuance: ～ようと思います is usually a decision that has just occurred right at the moment of speaking, or an intention that isn't 100% certain. That's why it sounds soft and modest — Japanese speakers favor this way of speaking to avoid sounding too assertive.
- Comparing ～と思います and ～と思っています: the ています form shows the intention has existed for a while and is maintained until now, sounding more certain. Also, only ～と思っています can be used for a THIRD PERSON: 「兄は日本で働こうと思っています」— you can't say 「兄は～と思います」 because you can't be certain what's in another person's mind.
- Degree of certainty increases in this order: ～ようと思います < ～つもりです < ～予定です.
Examples
夏休みに国へ帰ろうと思います。
I think I will go back to my country during summer vacation.
来年、日本語の試験を受けようと思っています。
I am planning to take the Japanese exam next year.
兄は新しい車を買おうと思っています。
My older brother is thinking of buying a new car.
Keep in mind
- The default subject is "I" — no need to say 私は unless you want to emphasize it.
- Don't use this pattern for things outside your control (e.g., the weather).
Common mistakes
-
Wrong弟は大学に行こうと思います。
My little brother intends to go to university.
Correct弟は大学に行こうと思っています。
With a third-person subject, ～と思っています must be used. Vietnamese speakers often overlook this because Vietnamese says "my brother plans to go to university" without needing any distinction — but Japanese treats another person's thoughts as something one can only observe, not assert.
-
Wrong行きようと思います。
I intend to go.
Correct行こうと思います。
Before と思う, the verb must be in the VOLITIONAL form conjugated for the correct group. 行く is Group 1 → 行こう; don't randomly add よう (よう is only for Group 2).
-
Wrong彼は留学しようと思う。
He is planning to study abroad.
Correct彼は留学しようと思っている。
Talking about someone else's plan must use 「思っている」.
-
Wrong明日は早く寝ろうと思います。
I intend to go to bed early tomorrow.
Correct明日は早く寝ようと思います。
The volitional form of the Group 2 (ichidan) verb 「寝る」 is 「寝よう」 (drop る, add よう); 「寝ろう」 confuses it with the imperative form 「寝ろ」 with う attached.
Exam tips
- Grammar questions often require choosing between ～ようと思います / ～つもりです / ～予定です — look at the degree of certainty and whether there's a specific schedule.