Genki Grammar #89: Mastering Volitional Form + to omotteimasu

Introduction

In Japanese, the volitional form + と思っています (-to omotteimasu) is a powerful way to express your intentions or decisions. It’s often used when talking about resolutions or plans you’ve already made. This blog post will guide you through how to use this structure, its meaning, and when to apply it in conversation.

What It Means

The volitional form + と思っています is used to express a decision or plan you have already made. It’s like saying “I’ve decided to…” or “I’m going to…” in English. This structure helps convey that your decision is firm and has been thought out beforehand.

When You Use It

Use the volitional form + と思っています when you want to talk about a plan or intention that you’ve already decided on. For example:

• 毎日1時間日本語を勉強しようと思っています。
  (Mainichi ichi-jikan nihongo o benkyou shiyou to omotteimasu.)
  I’ve decided to study Japanese for one hour every day.

You can also use the volitional form + と思います to express a decision you’re making at the moment of speaking. This is more spontaneous, whereas と思っています implies a decision made earlier.

Examples

Here are some examples to help you understand the difference between と思っています and と思います:

1. Decision Already Made:
   • おじいさんから10万円もらったんですか。何に使うんですか。
     (Ojiisan kara juu-man-en moratta n desu ka. Nani ni tsukau n desu ka?)
     You got 100,000 yen from your grandfather? What are you going to use it for?
   • 旅行に行こうと思っています。
     (Ryokou ni ikou to omotteimasu.)
     I am going to go on a trip. (Decision already made)
2. Decision Made on the Spot:

1. 100万円あげましょう。何に使いますか。
   (Hyaku-man-en agemashou. Nani ni tsukaimasu ka?)
   I will give you 1,000,000 yen. What will you use it for?
2. 旅行に行こうと思います。
   (Ryokou ni ikou to omoimasu.)
   I will go on a trip. (Decision made on the spot)

Note

It’s important to distinguish between verbs in the volitional form and verbs in the present tense when using と思っています or と思います. When you use the volitional form, you are expressing an intention or plan. However, when you use the present tense, you are making a prediction.

• 日本の会社で働こうと思います。
  (Nihon no kaisha de hatarou to omoimasu.)
  I intend to work for a Japanese company.
• 日本の会社で働くと思います。
  (Nihon no kaisha de hataraku to omoimasu.)
  I think I will be working for a Japanese company.

Conclusion

Mastering the volitional form + と思っています will help you clearly express your plans and intentions in Japanese. Understanding the difference between と思っています and と思います will make your speech more precise and natural.