Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 3
Intentions you have decided for yourself
つもりです expresses what someone intends or plans to do. The plan lives in the speaker’s mind, so it is often used for goals, future paths, and personal choices.
Target signal
来年日本へ留学するつもりです。
I intend to study abroad in Japan next year.
Use the plain dictionary form before つもりです.
Vocabulary notes
- つもりです
- intend to ...; plan to ...
- 留学する
- to study abroad
- つもり
- intention; plan
Compare in context
週末は家で休むつもりです。
I intend to rest at home this weekend.
つもりです makes this a personal plan, not just a fact.
Vocabulary notes
- つもりです
- intend to ...; plan to ...
- つもり
- intention; plan
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are
Compare in context
この本を最後まで読むつもりです。
I intend to read this book to the end.
最後まで adds the goal of finishing completely.
Vocabulary notes
- つもりです
- intend to ...; plan to ...
- つもり
- intention; plan
- この
- this
Section 2 of 3
Positive and negative intentions
To say someone intends not to do something, put the plain negative before つもりです. This sounds like a deliberate choice, not just an accidental non-action.
Target signal
大学で経済を勉強するつもりです。
I intend to study economics at university.
The verb before つもりです stays in plain form.
Vocabulary notes
- つもりです
- intend to ...; plan to ...
- 勉強する
- to study
- つもり
- intention; plan
Preview
今夜はテレビを見ないつもりです。
I intend not to watch TV tonight.
見ないつもりです means the speaker has decided not to watch.
Vocabulary notes
- つもりです
- intend to ...; plan to ...
- いつも
- always
- つもり
- intention; plan
Preview
旅行には行かないつもりです。
I do not intend to go on the trip.
行かないつもりです states a negative intention.
Vocabulary notes
- つもりです
- intend to ...; plan to ...
- いつも
- always
- つもり
- intention; plan
Section 3 of 3
Read intention, not fixed schedule
つもりです can overlap with “plan,” but it is centered on intention. When a school, company, calendar, or outside arrangement decides the timing, 予定です often fits better.
Target signal
卒業したら国へ帰るつもりです。
After I graduate, I intend to return to my country.
The speaker is describing their own future intention.
Vocabulary notes
- つもりです
- intend to ...; plan to ...
- つもり
- intention; plan
- たら
- if; when
Preview
田中さんは来月会社を辞めるつもりだそうです。
I hear Tanaka intends to leave the company next month.
つもりだそうです reports someone else’s stated intention.
Vocabulary notes
- そうです
- looks like; seems
- 田中さん
- Tanaka
- つもり
- intention; plan
Preview
雨でも友だちの家へ行くつもりです。
Even if it rains, I intend to go to my friend’s house.
The speaker is emphasizing their own decision despite the weather.
Vocabulary notes
- つもりです
- intend to ...; plan to ...
- つもり
- intention; plan
- 友だち
- friend