Grammar: Intentions (つもり/よう) Grammar for N4 | Examples & Quiz
Learn Grammar: Intentions (つもり/よう) for N4 with simple rules, Japanese examples, romaji, English meanings, common mistakes, practice prompts, and a mini quiz.
Stating what you plan to do requires specific structures at N4, varying by how strong or certain your plan is.
Quick Meaning Box
Understand the core meaning first
Main Japanese
らいねん、にほんに いく ___ です。
Listen and repeat slowly
English Meaning
I plan to go to Japan next year.
Nepali Meaning
म अर्को वर्ष जापान जाने योजना बनाउँदै छु।
Romaji
Practice with kana
Level
JLPT N4
Complete lesson list
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| らいねん、にほんに いく ___ です。 | I plan to go to Japan next year. | ||
| きょうは はやく ねようと ___ 。 | I am thinking of going to bed early today. | ||
| らいねん、けっこんする ___ です。 | I plan to get married next year. | ||
| きょうは べんきょう ___ と おもいます。 | I think I will not study today. | ||
| あたらしい くるまを ___ と おもっています。 | I am thinking of buying a new car. | ||
| にほんごの べんきょうを ___ と おもっています。 | I am thinking of continuing my Japanese studies. |
How To Use It
Use Intentions correctly
Simple Explanation
Use this pattern when you need to connect an idea clearly in a JLPT N4 sentence. Learn the pattern first, then read several examples until the order feels natural.
Sentence Structure
らいねん、にほんに いく [correct form / particle] です。
Start with this simple structure before making longer sentences.
When To Use
Use it in beginner reading, short answers, daily-life examples, and JLPT review questions where the topic appears naturally.
When Not To Use
Do not force it into every sentence. If another word, particle, or grammar pattern expresses the idea more naturally, choose that instead.
- Japanese learners grow faster when they notice how this topic appears in everyday routines, classroom language, and common study examples.
- Even simple grammar lessons become more memorable when students connect them to real situations instead of treating them like a word list only.
Open the full beginner explanation
〜つもり (Tsumori - Intent)
Use つもりです (Tsumori desu) after a dictionary verb to show a strong plan.
- 'Iku tsumori desu' (I plan to go / I intend to go).
- To say 'I intend NOT to go', use the negative verb: 'Ikanai tsumori desu'.
The Volitional Form (〜よう - Let's do / I shall)
This is the casual version of '~Mashou' (Let's).
- Group 1: Change 'u' to 'o' and add 'u'. (Iku -> Ikou).
- Group 2: Drop 'ru' and add 'you'. (Taberu -> Tabeyou).
When followed by と思う (to omou - I think), it shows a loose plan.
- 'Ikou to omoimasu' (I think I will go / I am thinking of going).
Formula / Pattern Box
Memorize the reusable pattern
Pattern 1
らいねん、にほんに いく [correct form / particle] です。
Pattern 2
Topic + particle + Intentions
Pattern 3
Known word + Intentions + new sentence
Pattern 4
Short sentence first, then add details slowly
Example Sentences
Read, repeat, and understand the usage
Example 1
来年、日本へ行くつもりです。
Rainen, Nihon he iku tsumori desu.
English
I plan to go to Japan next year.
Nepali
म अर्को वर्ष जापान जाने योजना बनाउँदै छु।
- Focus: 来年、日本へ行くつもりです。
- Meaning: I plan to go to Japan next year.
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Example 2
今日は早く寝ようと思っています。
Kyou wa hayaku neyou to omotte imasu.
English
I am thinking of going to bed early today.
Nepali
म आज चाँडै सुत्ने सोच्दै छु।
- Focus: 今日は早く寝ようと思っています。
- Meaning: I am thinking of going to bed early today.
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Common Mistakes
Avoid the beginner traps
Mistake 1
Wrong
Memorize only: "I plan to go to Japan next year."
Correct
Read らいねん、にほんに いく ___ です。, say the meaning, then use it in one short sentence.
Trying to memorize Grammar: Intentions (つもり/よう) only by translation instead of noticing how it appears in real Japanese patterns.
Mistake 2
Wrong
Memorize only: "I plan to go to Japan next year."
Correct
Read らいねん、にほんに いく ___ です。, say the meaning, then use it in one short sentence.
Reviewing the list once and assuming the lesson is finished without testing recall later.
Mistake 3
Wrong
Memorize only: "I plan to go to Japan next year."
Correct
Read らいねん、にほんに いく ___ です。, say the meaning, then use it in one short sentence.
Skipping speaking or writing practice, which makes the lesson harder to use actively.
Practice Section
Turn passive reading into active memory
Task 1
Fill in the blank
Complete the sentence: らいねん、にほんに いく ___ です。 means I plan to go to Japan next year..
Task 2
Multiple choice
Choose the best meaning for らいねん、にほんに いく ___ です。 before checking the lesson list.
Task 3
Sentence building
Make one short beginner sentence using らいねん、にほんに いく ___ です。. Keep it simple.
Task 4
Translation practice
Translate this idea into Japanese: I plan to go to Japan next year..
Extra practice prompts
- Write two original sentences that use Grammar: Intentions (つもり/よう) naturally.
- Review the lesson once without notes, then check what you missed.
- Explain the main meaning of this topic in simple English as if teaching another beginner.
Self-check before moving on
- Can I explain the main purpose of Grammar: Intentions (つもり/よう) without reading the notes?
- Can I use at least one example from this lesson in my own sentence?
- Can I come back tomorrow and still remember the key meaning or pattern?
Mini Quiz
Check your understanding
Q1. Choose the best answer for: らいねん、にほんに いく ___ です。
Q2. Choose the best answer for: きょうは はやく ねようと ___ 。
Q3. Choose the best answer for: らいねん、けっこんする ___ です。
Q4. Choose the best answer for: きょうは べんきょう ___ と おもいます。
Q5. Choose the best answer for: あたらしい くるまを ___ と おもっています。
Q6. Choose the best answer for: にほんごの べんきょうを ___ と おもっています。
Q7. What does 来年、日本へ行くつもりです。 mean?
Q8. What does 今日は早く寝ようと思っています。 mean?
Show answer key
- つもり
- おもいます
- つもり
- しないつもり
- かおう
- つづけよう
- I plan to go to Japan next year.
- I am thinking of going to bed early today.
Real Life Usage
Use the lesson outside flashcards
Conversation Example
A: らいねん、にほんに いく ___ です。？
B: はい、らいねん、にほんに いく ___ です。です。
practice reading - I plan to go to Japan next year.
Classroom Example
A teacher may ask you to read, choose, or explain らいねん、にほんに いく ___ です。 during a beginner review.
Daily Life Example
Use らいねん、にほんに いく ___ です。 when the meaning "I plan to go to Japan next year." appears in a simple real situation.
Use Grammar: Intentions (つもり/よう) in a short real-life scene
Imagine you are studying or interacting in a simple daily situation where JLPT N4 Japanese is enough. Your goal is to use this lesson clearly and naturally, not perfectly.
- Create one short scene that includes Grammar: Intentions (つもり/よう).
- Say or write two useful lines connected to the topic.
- Review what felt difficult and repeat the scene one more time with better accuracy.
FAQ
Common beginner questions
What is the difference between 'Tsumori' and 'Omotte imasu'?
'Tsumori' sounds like a firm plan. Volitional + 'to omotte imasu' sounds like you are currently considering it. It's softer.
Summary Box
What to remember
Key Point
Intentions becomes useful when you can recognize it, explain it simply, and use it in one short sentence.
Pattern
らいねん、にほんに いく [correct form / particle] です。
Next Action
Review with a practice tool3 must-remember examples
- 来年、日本へ行くつもりです。 - I plan to go to Japan next year.
- 今日は早く寝ようと思っています。 - I am thinking of going to bed early today.