Expressing Future Intent

つもり (tsumori) actually functions like a noun. In Japanese, nouns can follow verbs to add meaning. When you put a verb before つもり, it describes that noun. So, 行くつもり literally means "the intention of going." Because it acts like a noun, we add です to be polite. You can also use だ with your close friends. It is a very stable and predictable pattern. You don't have to worry about complex verb endings here. Just keep the verb in its natural, dictionary state. It is like snapping two Lego bricks together. One brick is your action, the other is your intent.

1. 1Making this grammar is a three-step process:
2. 2Choose your action verb (e.g., 食べる, 行く, 勉強する).
3. 3Keep the verb in the Dictionary Form (the form found in books).
4. 4Add つもりです directly after the verb.
5. 5For negative intentions (things you plan not to do):
6. 6Change the verb to the Nai-form (e.g., 行かない, 飲まない).
7. 7Add つもりです after it.
8. 8Example Positive: 日本に行くつもりです (I intend to go to Japan).
9. 9Example Negative: お酒を飲まないつもりです (I intend not to drink alcohol).
10. 10Yes, even native speakers forget the dictionary form sometimes. Just remember: no ます allowed before つもり!

Use this when you have a firm plan. It is great for New Year's resolutions. "I intend to exercise every day." It works well in job interviews too. "I intend to work here for a long time." You can use it when discussing travel itineraries. "We intend to visit Kyoto on Tuesday." It shows you have thought about the future. It is not a random thought. It is a decision you have already made. Think of it like a grammar traffic light. The light is green, and you are ready to move forward with your plan.

Do not use つもり for other people. You cannot read their minds! If you say "Tanaka-san intends to go," it sounds a bit strange. For others, use different patterns like らしい (it seems). Also, do not use it for sudden decisions. If someone asks, "Who wants coffee?" do not use つもり. That is a "right now" decision. Use ~ます or ~ましょう for that. つもり is for plans that have been sitting in your brain for a while. It is not for the split-second choice of which donut to eat.

One big mistake is mixing it with たい (want). Do not say 行きたいつもりです. That is like saying "I intend to want to go." It is confusing! Pick one. Another mistake is using the ます form before つもり. 行きますつもり is a no-go zone. Always use the dictionary form. Some people also use it for things they can't control. "It intends to rain tomorrow" sounds like the clouds have a personal agenda. Only use it for actions you can actually decide to do. Unless you are a weather god, keep it to human actions!

How is つもり different from たい? たい is an emotional feeling. You might want to eat cake, but you have no plan to buy one. つもり is the actual plan to go to the bakery. How about 予定 (yotei)? 予定 is for official schedules. Use 予定 for flight times or doctor appointments. つもり is more about your personal will. Finally, there is ~ようと思っています. This is a softer, "thinking of doing" vibe. つもり is much more determined. It is the difference between "I'm thinking about gymming" and "I am going to the gym."