What is the difference between 「V(volitional) + と思います」 and 「V(volitional) + と思っています」?

「〜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.

Can I use this pattern to talk about other people's intentions?

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.

Is this pattern used in formal or casual speech?

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.

How do I make this pattern negative (e.g., "I'm thinking of not doing ~")?

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 tabe naide 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.

Making Plans in Japanese: Expressing Intentions with V(volitional) + と思っています

contents

Video
Introduction
Grammar Structure
How to Form It
Meaning: Expressing Intention or Plan
Key Nuance: と思っています vs と思います
Example Sentences
Practice Time!
Common Mistakes
FAQ
Conclusion
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Author

Video

Let’s watch this short video for a quick overview.

Making Plans in Japanese: Expressing Intentions with V(volitional) + と思っています
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).

gokigen penguin

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

Example Sentences

Ken

冬休ふゆやすみの予定よていはありますか。
Do you have any plans for the winter break?

Yumi

さっぽろ雪ゆきまつりに行いこうと思おもっています。
I’m thinking of going to the Sapporo Snow Festival.

Yumi

あなたはどうですか。
How about you?

Ken

図書館としょかんで本ほんを借かりて、家いえでゆっくり読よもうと思おもっています。
I’m planning to borrow some books from the library and read them at home at a relaxed pace.

Koki

来年らいねん、彼女かのじょにプロポーズしようと思おもっています。
I’m planning to propose to my girlfriend next year.

Saori

すてきですね！もうどうやってプロポーズするか考かんがえているんですか？
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

Q What 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.

Q Can 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.

Q Is 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.

Q How 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!

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Author

Author: gokigen japanese
gokigen japanese is an online Japanese tutoring service launched in 2023. Flexible, interactive, and culture-rich, gokigen japanese supports learners at all levels with bilingual Japanese tutors. Over 1,000 students from 30+ countries have used our 300+ original materials, including grammar guides and cultural content.
gokigen japanese was founded by Hirofumi Naramura, a Kyoto University graduate and former Project Leader at the Boston Consulting Group (2010–2020). The service has received recognition such as the Chiyoda CULTURE x TECH Award 2024 and acceptance into NEXs Tokyo, a startup program by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.