Structure
Verb[おう] + と思う(1)
(1) と思っている
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Standard
使用域
一般
About 〜ようと思う・〜おうと思う
Remembering that う and よう can have one of three possible meanings in Japanese (as discussed in the よう grammar point), ようと思う is usually only used to express one of those three. That 'one' is as follows:
意志 - Expresses intentions (has a similar meaning to ~するつもりだ)
- このゲームはもうあきらめようと思う。I think I will give up on this game already. (I have arrived at the conclusion that I will give it up)
- 私は明日から電車で通おうと思う。I think I shall commute by train from tomorrow. (I have arrived at the conclusion that I will do it)
- 来月、バイクを買おうと思う。I think I will buy a bike next month. (I have arrived at the conclusion that I will buy one)
- 今晩はレストランで美味しいものを食べようと思っているけど、ナオミも来る?I am thinking of eating something delicious at a restaurant tonight, but do you want to come too, Naomi?
- タケル、お前は絶対サチコと別れようと思っているでしょう。Takeru, you are definitely thinking of breaking up with Sachiko, aren't you?
Synonyms
Examples
明日、勉強をしようと思う。
I think I will study tomorrow.
来年、家を買おうと思う。
I think I will buy a house next year.
帰ってから、お菓子を食べようと思います。
I think I will eat candy after returning home.
今日から文法の勉強を始めようと思う。
I think I will start studying grammar from today.
牛乳がないから、スーパーに行こうと思う。
There is no milk, so I think I will go to the store.
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Online
~ようと思う
japanesetest4you.com
Volitional + と思う vs. Volitional + と思っている
Japanese Stack Exchange
Breakdown and example sentences
Vancouver Japanese Lesson
The many faces of よう
ように Chart [Image]
To attempt to do something
Tae Kim
All uses of volitional form and よう explained
BriefJapanese
Offline
Genki II 2nd Edition
Page 79
[DBJG] A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar
Page 569
Tae Kim's Japanese Grammar Guide
Page 169
Minna no Nihongo II Main Textbook (beginner)
Chapter 31 Page 44
Minna no Nihongo English Translation and Grammatical Notes
Chapter 31 Page 38
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〜ようと思う・〜おうと思う – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (6 in total)
Pushindawood
About 3 years ago
@deltacat3 This sentence can be interpreted as “no one will eat the cheese” or “no one is eating the cheese (because it is just sitting there, not being eaten).” That being said, I think that the translation could use some work to prevent any further confusion. Cheers!
fdiotalevi
About 2 years ago
Is this structure used informally only (like the volitional form alone), or can it be used in a formal context as well?
mrnoone
About 2 years ago
@fdiotalevi
Hey and welcome to the community forums!
ようと思う can be used in formal and casual circumstances. So you can use it when talking to your superior at work, or to someone you don’t know.
Remember about polite ます though
Also, when you want to talk about plans of 3rd person, you should use ようと思っている(ようと思っています) rather than ようと思う.I hope it helps,
Cheers!
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