と思う
I think
Structure
［い］Adjective + と思う(1)
［な］Adjective + だ + と思う(1)
Noun + だ + と思う(1)
(1) と思っている
Explanation
In Japanese, to state your opinion or what you believe, the phrase と思う is frequently used. This expression is formed by combining the quotation particle と with the う-Verb 思う (to think). とおもう can follow verbs, い-Adjectives, な-Adjectives, and nouns. However, when used with a noun or a な-Adjective, だ must be placed before it.
- 明日は雨が降ると思う。I think it's going to rain tomorrow.
- このラーメンはとてもおいしいと思う。I think this ramen is very tasty.
- 彼の話は本当だと思う。I think his story is true.
- 田中さんは学生だと思う。I think Mr. Tanaka is a student.
While だ is grammatically required after nouns and な-Adjectives in this structure, it is commonly left out in informal conversation.
- この仕事は大変と思う。I think this job is tough. (Grammatically incorrect, but often heard in conversation)
Caution
When you wish to say what someone else thinks, the form と思っている is necessary. This is because と思う expresses a direct, immediate thought, which a speaker cannot claim to know for certain about another person. と思っている may also be used for your own thoughts to imply they are ongoing or have been held for some time.
- 父はこの時計が高いと思っている。My father thinks this watch is expensive.
- 将来、海外に住みたいと思っている。I've been thinking that I'd like to live abroad in the future.
Examples
このケーキはおいしいと思います。
I think this cake is delicious.
彼がパーティーに来ると思った。
I thought he would come to the party.
彼は先生だと思います。
I think he is a teacher.
それは面白いと思います。
I think that is interesting.
その計画は無理だと思うよ。
I think that plan is impossible.
きのうの試験は難しかったと思います。
I think yesterday's exam was difficult.
田中さんはもう帰ったと思う。
I think Mr. Tanaka has already gone home.
日本の物価は高いと思います。
I think prices in Japan are high.
あの人にどこかで会ったことがあると思う。
I think I've met that person somewhere before.
彼女は料理が上手だと思います。
I think she is good at cooking.
その映画は怖いと思いました。
I thought the movie was scary.
そろそろ新しいパソコンを買うと思う。
I think I will buy a new computer soon.
この問題なら、一人で解けると思う。
I think I can solve this problem by myself.