Video
Let’s watch this short video for a quick overview.
Source: gokigen japanese official YouTube Channel
Introduction
You’ve learned how to make casual invitations with the volitional form (e.g., 行こう! – Let’s go!). Now, let’s explore another key use of the volitional form: expressing your own future intentions or plans.
To say “I’m thinking of doing ~” or “I intend to do ~,” you use the pattern V(volitional) + と思っています (to omotte imasu).
Grammar Structure
The structure is straightforward:
Verb (volitional form) + と思っています
- 「V(volitional)」: The volitional form of the verb expressing the action you intend to do.
- 「と」: A particle indicating the content of thinking/saying.
- 「思っています」(omotte imasu): The ている form of the verb 思う (omou – to think).
How to Form It
Step1: Start with the verb in its volitional form. (If you need a refresher on forming the volitional form, check out our previous article on casual invitations!)
- 食べる (taberu) → 食べよう (tabeyou)
- 行く (iku) → 行こう (ikou)
- する (suru) → しよう (shiyou)
- 来る (kuru) → 来よう (koyou)
Verb types | Rules | Examples |
---|---|---|
ru-verbs | Remove the final る and add よう. | 寝る→寝よう |
u-verbs | Replace the final –u sound with –ou. | 帰る (kaeru)→帰ろう (kaerou) |
irregular verbs | Irregular conjugation (memorize them). | する→しよう 来る→来よう |
Step2: Add と思っています after the volitional form.
- 食べよう → 食べようと思っています (tabeyou to omotte imasu)
- 行こう → 行こうと思っています (ikou to omotte imasu)
- しよう → しようと思っています (shiyou to omotte imasu)
- 来よう → 来ようと思っています (koyou to omotte imasu)
Meaning: Expressing Intention or Plan
This pattern is used to state your personal intention or plan for the future. It indicates that you have been considering or have decided to do something.
- Example: 来年、日本に留学しようと思っています。
(Rainen, Nihon ni ryuugaku shiyou to omotte imasu.)
I’m thinking of studying abroad in Japan next year. / I intend to study abroad in Japan next year.
Key Nuance: と思っています vs と思います
Both 「V(volitional) + と思います」 and 「V(volitional) + と思っています」 express intention, but they have a subtle difference in nuance:
- V(volitional) + と思っています (to omotte imasu): Implies that the intention or plan has been formed for a while and is a more settled or long-term plan.
- Example: 将来、日本で働こうと思っています。 (Shourai, Nihon de hatarakou to omotte imasu.) I’m thinking of working in Japan in the future. (This is a plan I’ve had for some time).
- V(volitional) + と思います (to omoimasu): Expresses an intention or decision that is made at the time of speaking. It’s more of an “instantaneous thought” or decision just formed.
- Example: 今日の宿題は難しいので、先生に相談しようと思います。 (Kyou no shukudai wa muzukashii node, sensei ni soudan shiyou to omoimasu.) Today’s homework is difficult, so I’m thinking of consulting my teacher (right now, I’ve just decided this).

Use 「~と思っています」 for plans you’ve already decided on or have been considering for a while, and 「~と思います」 for decisions you make spontaneously or in the moment.
Example Sentences

冬休みの予定はありますか。
Do you have any plans for the winter break?

さっぽろ雪まつりに行こうと思っています。
I’m thinking of going to the Sapporo Snow Festival.

あなたはどうですか。
How about you?

図書館で本を借りて、家でゆっくり読もうと思っています。
I’m planning to borrow some books from the library and read them at home at a relaxed pace.

来年、彼女にプロポーズしようと思っています。
I’m planning to propose to my girlfriend next year.

すてきですね!もう どうやってプロポーズするか考えているんですか?
That’s wonderful! Have you already thought about how you’re going to do it?
Practice Time!
Express what you are planning to do in the following situations using V(volitional) + と思っています:
- Situation: You like sushi very much. Plan: Eat it this weekend.
→ 週末にすしを食べようと思っています。(Shuumatsu ni sushio tabeyou to omotte imasu.) - Situation: You are going on a trip to the beach next week. Plan: Buy a swimsuit.
→ 水着を買おうと思っています。(Mizugi o kaou to omotte imasu.) - Situation: You want to work at a Japanese company. Plan: Send your resume.
→ 履歴書を送ろうと思っています。(Rirekisho o okurou to omotte imasu.) - Situation: You don’t understand Japanese grammar. Plan: Ask the teacher.
→ 先生に聞こうと思っています。(Sensei ni kikou to omotte imasu.) - Situation: You have time off next month. Plan: Sleep at home
→ 家で寝ようと思っています。(Ie de neyou to omotte imasu.)
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect Volitional Form: The most common mistake is using the wrong volitional form before と思っています. Be sure to use the correct conjugation for う-verbs, る-verbs, and irregular verbs.
- ❌ Incorrect: 行く → 行くようと思っています (iku you to omotte imasu)
- ✅ Correct: 行く → 行こう (ikou) → 行こうと思っています
FAQ
- QWhat is the difference between 「V(volitional) + と思います」 and 「V(volitional) + と思っています」?
- A
「〜と思います」 is used for intentions or decisions made spontaneously at the moment of speaking. 「〜と思っています」 is used for plans or intentions that have been decided for a while and are more settled.
- QCan I use this pattern to talk about other people’s intentions?
- A
Grammatically, you can say 「[Person]は V(volitional) + と思っています」. However, it’s generally used for your own intention, as you cannot be certain of another person’s exact thoughts unless they tell you. When talking about others, you might report what they said (e.g., 〜と言っていました – ~to itte imashita, said that…) or make an inference based on their actions.
- QIs this pattern used in formal or casual speech?
- A
The pattern 「V(volitional) + と思っています」 itself is generally a neutral or standard way to express intention. The politeness of the overall sentence depends on the surrounding context and whether you use polite endings (like です/ます) in other parts of the sentence.
- QHow do I make this pattern negative (e.g., “I’m thinking of not doing ~”)?
- A
To express the intention not to do something, you use the plain negative form of the verb before 「〜う/ようと思います/と思っています」. The structure becomes V(plain negative) + と思います/と思っています.
Example: 甘いものを食べないでおこうと思っています。(Amai mono o tabenaide okou to omotte imasu.) = I’m thinking of not eating sweets (as a preparation). (Note: This often uses 〜ないでおこう, which is the volitional of 〜ないでおく).
A simpler negative intention is often V(plain negative) + つもりだ/です. The V(volitional) + と思っています negative requires using the volitional of the negative form, which can be complex. Stick to the positive form for simplicity initially, or use つもりだ/です for simple negative intentions.
Conclusion
Using V(volitional) + と思っています is a great way to talk about your future plans and intentions in Japanese. Remember the difference between と思います and と思っています to express whether your plan is a sudden thought or a more settled one.
🎯 What are you thinking of doing next week? Try describing your plans using this pattern!