〜ようと思います
I intend to ~
Express an intention, decision, or scheduled action.
Remember it
Put the future action into your plan with 〜ようと思います.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜ようと思います」 means "I intend to ~". Structure: Verb volitional + と思います. This is a JLPT N4 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Use it for weekends, appointments, project plans, and personal goals.
Tone: Polite
A safe choice for everyday conversations, shops, school, and the workplace.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1来年、準備をしようと思います。
らいねん、じゅんび を しよう と おもいます。
rainen, junbi o shiyou to omoimasu.
I intend to do preparation next year.
Everyday life
Example 2来年、到着をしようと思います。
らいねん、とうちゃく を しよう と おもいます。
rainen, touchaku o shiyou to omoimasu.
I intend to do arrival next year.
At school
Example 3来年、入学をしようと思います。
らいねん、にゅうがく を しよう と おもいます。
rainen, nyuugaku o shiyou to omoimasu.
I intend to do school admission next year.
Everyday life
Example 4来年、運転をしようと思います。
らいねん、うんてん を しよう と おもいます。
rainen, unten o shiyou to omoimasu.
I intend to do driving next year.
Shopping & services
Example 5来年、注文をしようと思います。
らいねん、ちゅうもん を しよう と おもいます。
rainen, chuumon o shiyou to omoimasu.
I intend to do order (goods) next year.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
I intend to do preparation next year.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜ようと思います.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.