N4-G-015

Verb(dict)+つもりです (I intend to / plan to)

Core / Intentions & Plans

👀 Layer A: Visual Guide

📝 Quick Summary

This grammar point expresses a solid intention or plan. It is stronger than simply saying “I want to do something” (～たいです); it shows that you have thought about it and made a decision in your mind.

Structure (Positive): [Verb Dictionary Form] + つもりです。
Structure (Negative): [Verb Nai-form] + つもりです。
Example: らいねん、日本へいく つもりです (I intend to go to Japan next year).

🔗 Connected Grammar:

🔍 Layer B: Deepening

💡 Raya’s Hack

How to say “I intend NOT to…”
If you have decided that you are NOT going to do something, just change the verb to the “Nai-form” before adding “tsumori desu”.

Example: I plan not to go.
〇いかないつもりです。 (Verb-nai + tsumori)

Extra Note: You might also hear “いくつもりはありません” (I have NO intention to go). This is much stronger and sounds a bit cold or defensive. For everyday plans, “いかないつもりです” is more natural!

🚧 Joy’s Mistake

Scene: Joy is telling Ken about their boss’s schedule.

Joy: 「しゃちょうはあしたやすむ つもりです。」
(Shacho wa ashita yasumu tsumori desu.)

❌ Mind-reading mistake!

Why?

“Tsumori” represents what is inside someone’s head (their personal intention). In Japanese culture, it is considered rude to state the inner thoughts or intentions of a superior (boss, teacher, customer) as if you can read their mind.

Only use “tsumori” for yourself or to ask a question to an equal/friend (“What are you planning to do?”). If you want to talk about a boss’s plan, use the official schedule grammar: 「しゃちょうはあしたやすむ よていです」 (Scheduled to rest).