つもりだ
To plan to, To intend to
Structure
Verb［ない］+ つもり + だ(*)
Verb + つもり + は(1) + ない(**)
(1) が
(*) To intend not to
(**) To have no intention of
Explanation
The grammar pattern つもりだ (or です) expresses a person's intention or plan. It is typically translated as 'I plan to (do something)' or 'I intend to (do something)'. This pattern attaches to the dictionary form or the ない form of a verb.
- この映画は後で見るつもりです。I plan to watch this movie later.
- もうお菓子は食べないつもりだ。I don't intend to eat any more snacks.
- 雨が降っているから、外に出かけるつもりはない。Since it's raining, I have no intention of going out.
There's a subtle but important difference between the last two examples. ないつもり expresses a firm decision not to do something, implying active avoidance. In contrast, つもりはない conveys that one simply has no plan or intention to do something, without the same sense of active refusal.
Fun Fact
Interestingly, つもり originates from the verb 積もる, which means 'to accumulate' or 'to pile up'. Because of this origin, つもり can also be used when someone is acting in a way that seems contrary to reality or their usual self, as if they have 'piled up' the nerve or pretense to do so.
- それで手伝ってるつもり？Do you actually consider that helping?
The nuance in this kind of sentence is sarcastic, like saying 'Are you seriously pretending to help?!' The underlying feeling, connected to its original meaning, is something like 'Have you really convinced yourself that what you're doing counts as helping?!'
Caution
The particle は in つもりはない can be substituted with が or じゃ (a contraction of ではない). Each particle carries a slightly different nuance. Using が can imply a lack of interest or desire to do something, whereas じゃ is a more straightforward denial that something is the plan.
- そんな高いものを買うつもりがない。I have no desire to buy something that expensive.
- 彼を傷つけるつもりじゃなかった。I didn't mean to hurt his feelings.
Examples
東京に引っ越すつもりだ。
I intend to move to Tokyo.
新しいパソコンを買うつもりだ。
I intend to buy a new computer.
今日は早く帰るつもりです。
I intend to go home early today.
電車で行くつもりです。
I intend to go by train.
もっと強くなるつもりだった。
I intended to become stronger.
そんな事をいうつもりはなかった。
I didn't intend to say such a thing.
国へ帰るつもりはない。
I do not intend to return to my country.
この本は今日中に読み終わるつもりですよ。
I intend to finish reading this book by the end of today.
映画を見るつもりでしたが、本を読みました。
I intended to watch a movie, but I read a book instead.
宿題を終わらせてから、ゲームをするつもりだった。
After finishing my homework, I intended to play games.
お金をためて、新しい車を買うつもりだ。
I intend to save money and buy a new car.