つもり

• Reading: つもり
• Romaji: tsumori
• Pronunciation: /t͡sɯ.mo.ɾi/

Meaning

Intention; plan. Expresses what one intends or plans to do.

A noun used after the plain form of a verb to express intention or expectation. The pattern verb＋つもりです means 'I intend to ~'. Past tense つもりだった means 'I had intended to ~' (but didn't). Can also express a subjective belief: ～たつもり means 'I believe I did ~' even if the result is uncertain.

Examples

1. 来年日本に行くつもりです。 I intend to go to Japan next year.
2. 夏休みに旅行するつもりだったが、仕事が忙しくて行けなかった。 I had planned to travel during summer break, but I couldn't go because work was too busy.
3. 明日早く起きるつもりなので、今日は早く寝ます。 I plan to wake up early tomorrow, so I'm going to bed early tonight.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, plans, conversation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From the verb 積もる (to accumulate/pile up). The metaphorical extension refers to thoughts or plans accumulating in one's mind — what has built up as an intention.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal