N4 Intentions & Plans

~つもり: meaning, usage and examples

~つもり means: intent / plan to…

Updated 9 November 2026 · By the My Senpai team · Spotted a mistake? Tell us

Examples

1. 週末しゅうまつは山やまに登のぼるつもりです。

   I plan to climb a mountain this weekend.

2. その仕事しごとは受うけないつもりです。

   I don't intend to take that job.

3. 来年らいねん、日本語にほんごの試験しけんを受うけるつもりです。

   I plan to take a Japanese exam next year.

4. 今日きょうはお酒さけを飲のまないつもりです。

   I don't intend to drink alcohol today.

When to use it

Expresses firm personal intention: 'I intend to, I plan to'.

Nuance

つもり is quite firm: it reflects the speaker's settled will, not wishful thinking.

Compare

〜と思おもっている (considering). 〜予定よてい (scheduled, more objective). つもり (personal will). Compare 予定よてい (a fixed plan or schedule: 会議かいぎの予定よてい): つもり is your own intention, 予定よてい is something already arranged.

Tip: つもりだった = 'I had intended to (but didn't)': a useful expression for explaining situations.