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.
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.
明日は雨が降ると思う。
I think it will rain tomorrow.
この映画は面白いと思う。
I think this movie is interesting.
彼は学生だと思う。
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.
明日は雨が降ると思います。
I think it will rain tomorrow. (polite)
Adding 多分 (probably) softens the statement, making it sound less assertive. Often used with 〜と思う.
多分、彼は来ないと思う。
I think he probably won't come.
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.
何か忘れている気がする。
I have a feeling I'm forgetting something.
この計画はうまくいかない気がする。
I have a feeling this plan won't work.
A more tentative and indirect way to say 'I think that maybe...'. Often used to express a guess or suspicion politely.
彼はもう帰ったのではないかと思う。
I think he may have already gone home.
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.
明日は雨が降るそうだ。
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.
彼は疲れているみたいだ。
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.
彼は何か悩みがあるようだ。
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.
あの店は美味しいらしい。
I hear that restaurant is good. / That restaurant seems to be good.
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.
来年、日本に行こうと思う。
I'm thinking of going to Japan next year.
今夜は早く寝ようと思う。
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...'.
明日は早く起きるつもりだ。
I intend to get up early tomorrow.
Literally 'I'm thinking about whether or not...'. Used when considering options.
転職しようかどうか考えている。
I'm thinking about whether or not to change jobs.
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'.
それは良いとは思わない。
I don't think that's good.
彼が来るとは思わない。
I don't think he will come.
Past tense: 'I thought...'. Often used to express a mistaken belief or a past opinion.
彼は来ると思った。
I thought he would come.
もっと簡単だと思った。
I thought it would be easier.
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...'.
〜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.