JLPT N4 reference · Verb extensions
Intention with つもり
The pattern presents a settled personal plan rather than a spontaneous suggestion.
Core meaning and form
Use plain non-past verb + つもりだ for intention and ない-form + つもりだ for an intention not to act. Past つもりだった describes an earlier intention and does not guarantee that the action occurred.
- Form: Use plain non-past verb + つもりだ for intention and ない-form + つもりだ for an intention not to act.
- Core use: The pattern presents a settled personal plan rather than a spontaneous suggestion.
- Context: Past つもりだった describes an earlier intention and does not guarantee that the action occurred.
Examples in context
大学で経済を勉強するつもりです。Daigaku de keizai o benkyō suru tsumori desu.I intend to study economics at university.
今日は出かけないつもりです。Kyō wa dekakenai tsumori desu.I intend not to go out today.
早く帰るつもりでした。Hayaku kaeru tsumori deshita.I had intended to go home early.
Common errors
- Do not select this pattern from an English translation alone; check its attachment and discourse function.
- Keep the surrounding sentence in a consistent plain, polite, spoken, or written register.
Quick summary
- Use plain non-past verb + つもりだ for intention and ない-form + つもりだ for an intention not to act.
- The pattern presents a settled personal plan rather than a spontaneous suggestion.
- Past つもりだった describes an earlier intention and does not guarantee that the action occurred.