と思うThink that; in my opinion
と思う presents a statement as someone's thought, opinion, prediction, expectation, or judgment. It commonly means “I think that...” when no other thinker is named.
Presenting a view as your thought
Put a complete plain-form statement before と, then add 思う or 思います. The statement may be an opinion about the present or a prediction about the future.
Opinions and predictions
Where past tense goes
The form inside the thought tells you when the event or state occurs. The form of 思う tells you when the thinking occurs. Therefore, 来たと思う means that the event is believed to have happened, while 来ると思った describes a past thought about someone coming.
Event time and thought time
Another person's continuing belief
佐藤さんは、この会社は成長を続けると思っていると面談で話しました。
In the interview, Sato said that they believe this company will continue to grow.
AnalyzeThe interview provides a clear basis for describing Sato's continuing belief.
Prediction versus intention
行くと思う uses the plain form and gives a prediction or judgment. 行こうと思う uses the volitional form and expresses an intention. One small change in the verb creates a different grammar point.
More examples
この方法が一番簡単だと思います。
I think this method is the easiest.
Analyze会議は三時までに終わると思う。
I think the meeting will finish by three.
Analyze彼はその知らせをまだ知らないと思います。
I don't think he knows the news yet.
Analyze山田さんは、自分の判断が正しかったと今でも思っているそうです。
Apparently, Yamada still believes that their judgment was correct.
Analyzeこの映画についてどう思う？
What do you think about this movie?
Analyze駅の近くはあまり静かではないと思います。
I don't think the area near the station is very quiet.
Analyze