What Does 「つもり」 (Tsumori) Mean?
The word 「つもり」 (tsumori) is used in Japanese to indicate one’s intention or plan to do something. It is often translated as “intend to,” “plan to,” or “mean to” in English. Using tsumori allows speakers to talk about their future actions or express what they had planned to do, making it an essential tool for daily conversation.
How to Form Sentences with 「つもり」
To use tsumori, you need to attach it to the plain (dictionary) form of a verb. The basic structure is as follows:
- Verb (Plain Form) + つもりです — I intend to (do something)
- Verb (Plain Form, Negative) + つもりです — I do not intend to (do something)
Affirmative Examples
- 来年、日本に行くつもりです。
(Rainen, Nihon ni iku tsumori desu.) — I intend to go to Japan next year. - 今晩、勉強するつもりです。
(Konban, benkyou suru tsumori desu.) — I plan to study tonight.
Negative Examples
- 今日は出かけないつもりです。
(Kyou wa dekakenai tsumori desu.) — I do not intend to go out today. - タバコを吸わないつもりです。
(Tabako o suwanai tsumori desu.) — I don’t intend to smoke cigarettes.
Nuances and Usage Tips
While tsumori is straightforward, there are a few nuances to keep in mind:
- Personal Intention: Tsumori expresses what you personally intend to do. To talk about someone else’s intentions, you must be careful not to assume their plans unless you are certain.
- Formality: The structure can be made more formal by adding です (desu) at the end. In casual speech, you can drop です.
- Past Tense: You can use tsumori in the past tense to express intentions you had in the past. For example:
昨日は勉強するつもりでしたが、できませんでした。 — I intended to study yesterday, but I couldn’t.
Comparing 「つもり」 with Other Intention Structures
Japanese offers several ways to express intent or plans, and it’s important to know how tsumori compares to other expressions:
- ～たい (tai): Used for expressing wants or desires. For example: 日本に行きたいです (I want to go to Japan).
- ～つもり: Focuses on intention or a set plan, not just desire.
- ～予定 (yotei): Used for scheduled plans, often involving appointments or arrangements.
For instance, 「旅行に行く予定です」 means you have a fixed plan or schedule to travel, while 「旅行に行くつもりです」 shows your intention to travel, even if it’s not scheduled yet.
How to Practice Using 「つもり」 Effectively
Here are some tips for integrating tsumori into your Japanese practice:
- Write daily journal entries about your plans using tsumori.
- Practice speaking about your intentions for the day with a language partner or AI tool like Talkpal.
- Listen for tsumori in Japanese conversations, dramas, or podcasts to hear how native speakers use it in context.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to use the plain form of the verb before tsumori.
- Confusing tsumori with tai or yotei. Remember, tsumori is about intention, not just desire or a scheduled plan.
- Assuming others’ intentions without confirmation. Use tsumori mainly for your own intentions unless you are sure about someone else’s plans.
Conclusion: Mastering 「つもり」 for Clear Communication
Understanding and using the tsumori structure will help you articulate your intentions and plans more naturally in Japanese. By practicing regularly and paying attention to context, you can confidently express what you mean to do, both in writing and conversation. Incorporate tsumori into your language study routine—whether through self-study, language exchange, or digital tools like Talkpal—and watch your conversational skills flourish as you learn Japanese.
