「つもり」- Expressing Subjective Intentions or Plans

Explanation

In Japanese, the grammatical structure 〜つもり is often used to express "the assumption that one is..." or "the intention to do something." It conveys the speaker's subjective judgment, intention, or plan. It is formed by attaching つもり to the dictionary form of verbs, the negative form of verbs, い-adjectives, the dictionary form of な-adjectives, or nouns followed by の.

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
〜つもり	Dictionary form of verbs / Negative form of verbs / い-adjectives / Dictionary form of な-adjectives / Noun + の	Expresses the speaker's assumption or intention, often used to describe plans, intentions, determination, or self-perceived states.

Basic Usage

• 〜つもり is used to express subjective intentions or plans.
• It can be used with first, second, and third persons.

Examples

• 自分じぶんは彼女かのじょにもう十分じゅうぶん自慢じまんのつもりだよ。
• Jibun wa kanojo ni mou juubun jiman no tsumori da yo.
• I thought I was already quite proud of her.
  

• なんだなんだあの態度たいどは。自分じぶんが王様おうさまにでもなったつもりか。
• Nanda ano taido wa. Jibun ga ousama ni demo natta tsumori ka.
• What’s with that attitude? Do you think you’ve become a king or something?
  

Real-Life Scenarios

Here are some examples from everyday conversations to help better understand the usage of 〜つもり.

• A: 明日あしたの会議かいぎに出席しゅっせきするつもりですか？
• Ashita no kaigi ni shusseki suru tsumori desu ka?
• Do you plan to attend tomorrow’s meeting?
  

• B: ええ、そのつもりです。
• Ee, sono tsumori desu.
• Yes, I plan to.
  

• A: あのプロジェクトぷろじぇくとは終おわったつもりだったんだけど、まだ続つづいているの？
• Ano purojekuto wa owatta tsumori datta n da kedo, mada tsuzuite iru no?
• I thought that project was already over, but is it still ongoing?
  

• B: そうですね、まだ終おわっていません。
• Sou desu ne, mada owatte imasen.
• Yes, it’s not over yet.
  

In summary, 〜つもり is a practical and commonly used Japanese grammar point. It helps to accurately express one’s intentions and plans, as well as describe the discrepancy between subjective perception and objective reality.