Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'I think' depends on the level of certainty, the source of information, and the formality of the situation. The most common and neutral way is to use 〜と思う (to omou) attached to a plain-form clause. However, Japanese often omits the subject 'I' when it's clear from context, and there are several other expressions for different nuances.
I think it's interesting.
I think he will come.
I don't think so.
To state what you think or believe, often based on your own judgment.
Attach to the plain form of a verb, adjective, or noun + だ. This is the most common and neutral way to say 'I think'. The subject 'I' is usually omitted.
I think it will rain tomorrow.
I think this movie is interesting.
I think he is a student.
The polite form of 〜と思う. Use in formal situations or with people you don't know well.
Adding 多分 (probably) softens the statement, making it sound less assertive. Often used with 〜と思う.
Expresses a feeling or intuition, like 'I have a feeling that...' or 'I get the sense that...'. Softer and more subjective than 〜と思う.
I have a feeling I'm forgetting something.
A more tentative and indirect way to say 'I think that maybe...'. Often used to express a guess or suspicion politely.
To say 'I think' based on what you've heard or how something looks, rather than direct knowledge.
Attach to plain form to indicate 'I heard that...' or 'They say that...'. This is not a direct 'I think', but often translates as such when reporting information.
To say 'I'm thinking of doing something' or 'I'm considering'.
Used with volitional form of verbs to express 'I'm thinking of doing...' or 'I plan to...'. Indicates a personal intention.
To say 'I don't think' or 'I thought'.
The negative form. Note that Japanese usually negates the thinking, not the clause inside, unlike English. 'I don't think it's good' becomes 'I think it's not good'.
In Japanese, the subject 'I' is almost always omitted when using 〜と思う, because it's obvious from context. Including 私は (watashi wa) can sound overly emphatic or contrastive, like 'As for me, I think...'.
I think it's interesting. (natural)
I think it will rain tomorrow. (polite)
I think he probably won't come.
I have a feeling this plan won't work.
I think he may have already gone home.
I hear it will rain tomorrow. / They say it will rain tomorrow.
Expresses a conjecture based on direct observation or evidence, similar to 'it looks like...' or 'it seems like...'. More casual than 〜ようだ.
It looks like he's tired. / I think he's tired.
Similar to 〜みたいだ but slightly more formal and often used in writing. Expresses conjecture based on evidence or situation.
It seems he has some worry. / I think he has something troubling him.
Indicates a conjecture based on reliable information or hearsay, similar to 'it seems that...' or 'I heard that...'. Also used for typical characteristics.
I hear that restaurant is good. / That restaurant seems to be good.
I'm thinking of going to Japan next year.
I think I'll go to bed early tonight.
Expresses a firm intention or plan, stronger than 〜ようと思う. 'I intend to...' or 'I plan to...'.
I intend to get up early tomorrow.
Literally 'I'm thinking about whether or not...'. Used when considering options.
I'm thinking about whether or not to change jobs.
I don't think that's good.
I don't think he will come.
Past tense: 'I thought...'. Often used to express a mistaken belief or a past opinion.
I thought he would come.
I thought it would be easier.
私は面白いと思う。
As for me, I think it's interesting. (emphatic/contrastive)
〜と思う is a direct statement of opinion. 〜気がする is more intuitive and vague, like 'I have a feeling'. Use 〜気がする when you're not fully confident or when expressing a hunch.
Japanese often avoids direct assertions. Using 多分 (probably), 〜かもしれない (might), or ending with 〜けど (but) can make your 'I think' sound more natural and less confrontational.