と思う

I think, I believe, I feel

Build a strong foundation of Japanese with a high-frequency grammar and real-world phrases.

と思う is a Japanese phrase used to express thoughts, opinions, beliefs, or feelings. It translates to "I think," "I believe," or "I feel" in English. This structure is frequently used to convey what the speaker believes to be true or to express an opinion in both spoken and written Japanese.

と思う is a very versatile expression, used in both casual and formal conversations, making it a fundamental part of expressing oneself in Japanese.

In casual conversation, と思う is often shortened to "って思う". This form is more relaxed and commonly heard in everyday speech, especially when speaking with friends or family.

Structure

Verb + と思う⁽¹⁾

⁽¹⁾

って思う (casual)

と思います (polite)

と思っている/います (present continuous form): Used to express ongoing thoughts or beliefs.

Level

Key uses

1. Expressing beliefs or opinions

と思う is commonly used to share personal beliefs or opinions. It allows the speaker to convey their perspective without sounding overly forceful.

[ Additional Insight ]

This use emphasizes personal perspective, making it a natural way to share thoughts or judgments. It’s commonly used in casual or reflective conversations to express subjective views.

2. Making predictions or assumptions

It is also used to make predictions or assumptions about future events or situations based on what the speaker believes to be true.

[ Additional Insight ]

This use reflects logical assumptions or expectations, helping the speaker convey their confidence or foresight. It’s effective for projecting outcomes or sharing insights about future events.

3. Softening statements for politeness

It is often used to soften statements to make them sound less direct and more polite. This is particularly useful in formal or polite conversations where being assertive might be considered rude.

[ Additional Insight ]

This use emphasizes courtesy and humility, allowing the speaker to voice their opinion without sounding too assertive. It’s especially suitable for professional or formal settings, where maintaining politeness is key.

4. Expressing doubt or uncertainty

When expressing doubt or uncertainty, と思う can show that the speaker is unsure about something but still wants to share their thoughts.

[ Additional Insight ]

This use conveys tentative thinking, reflecting the speaker’s lack of certainty while still contributing their perspective. It’s perfect for informal conversations where speculation or guesses are common.

Comparisons

1. と思っています

と思う expresses a general thought or belief, often reflecting an immediate opinion or decision. In contrast, と思っています conveys ongoing or deliberate consideration, suggesting that the thought has been in the speaker’s mind for some time. Use と思っています for a more reflective tone.

2. ませんか

ませんか is a softer and more indirect suggestion compared to ましょうか. While ませんか invites the listener to act, ましょうか often implies the speaker’s initiative to help or shared decision-making. Use ませんか to politely propose an idea and ましょうか when offering to participate or take action.