Genki Grammar #63: Mastering – tsumorida

This image illustrates the concept of "-tsumorida," which is used to express intentions and plans in Japanese. The notepad and pencil symbolize making plans or listing things to do, while the coffee represents a moment of planning or setting intentions. — Photo by Michaela St on Unsplash

Table of contents

Introduction
What It Means
When You Use It
Examples
Note
Conclusion

Introduction

In this blog post, we will learn how to use the phrase つもりだ (tsumorida) in Japanese. This expression helps you talk about your intentions or plans for the future.

What It Means

つもり follows verbs in the present tense short forms to describe what a person is planning to do in the future. You can also use a verb in the negative plus つもり to describe what you are planning not to do or what you do not intend to do.

When You Use It

You use つもりだ when you want to express your intentions or plans. It can also be used in the past tense to talk about plans that did not happen.

Examples

Verb (short, present) + つもりだ (I) intend to do
- （私は）週末にりくさんとテニスをするつもりです。
  (Watashi wa) shuumatsu ni Riku-san to tenisu o suru tsumori desu.
  I intend to play tennis with Riku this weekend.
Negative verb (short, present) + つもりだ (I) intend not to do
- 佐藤先生はあした大学に来ないつもりです。
  Satou-sensei wa ashita daigaku ni konai tsumori desu.
  Professor Satou does not intend to come to school tomorrow.
Using the past tense to talk about original intentions
- 神社を見に行くつもりでしたが、天気が良くなかったから、行きませんでした。
  Jinja o mi ni iku tsumori deshita ga, tenki ga yokunakatta kara, ikimasen deshita.
  We were planning to visit a shrine, but we didn’t because the weather was not good.

Note

Using つもりだ is a straightforward way to talk about your plans and intentions. It’s important to remember the verb forms to use with it for both positive and negative intentions.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of つもりだ helps you express your future plans clearly in Japanese.