Kotomora
JLPT N5Construction
Furigana

つもりだIntend to; plan to

つもりだ states a person's present intention or settled plan to do—or not do—an action. It describes the intention, not a guaranteed future result.

Expressing a settled intention

Use this pattern for a decision or plan that the person currently intends to carry out. In ordinary conversation, the subject is often omitted when it is clearly the speaker.

Positive and negative intentions

Put the dictionary form before the expression for an affirmative intention, and the plain negative form for an intention not to act.

らいねん日本にほんりゅうがくするつもりです

I intend to study abroad in Japan next year.

Analyze

けんこうのため、しばらくあまいものをべないつもりです

For my health, I intend not to eat sweets for a while.

Analyze

Talking about another person's intention

Because intentions are internal, a direct statement about another person can sound as though you know their mind. A report such as “she said” or “according to him” makes the basis clear.

Intention versus an ongoing thought or schedule

つもりだ presents a settled personal intention. ようとおもっている uses the volitional form and highlights an intention that has been held over time. てい focuses instead on a plan, arrangement, or schedule and does not necessarily emphasize personal resolve.

More examples

明日あしたろくきるつもりだ

I intend to get up at six tomorrow.

Analyze

今日きょうはもうがいしゅつしないつもりです

I do not intend to go out again today.

Analyze

だいがくたら、ちちかいしゃはたらくつもりです

After graduating from university, I intend to work at my father's company.

Analyze

このことはだれにもはなさないつもりです

I intend not to tell anyone about this.

Analyze

しゅうまつ部屋へやかたづけるつもりだったが、きゅうごとはいってできなかった。

I intended to tidy my room over the weekend, but some urgent work came up and I could not do it.

Analyze

さきさんは、らいねんりゅうがくするつもりだっていました。

Misaki said that she intends to study abroad next year.

Analyze

The report makes clear that this information comes from Misaki herself.

つもりだ (tsumorida) – Intend to; plan to