Learning to express the English word “gonna” in Japanese can be quite beneficial for effective communication with native speakers. “Gonna” is a contraction of “going to”, and it signifies future plans or intentions. In Japanese, there are several ways to convey a similar meaning, depending on the level of formality and regional variations. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal expressions for “gonna” in Japanese, providing useful tips and examples to help you grasp the nuances of each variation.
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Formal Expressions
- するつもりです (suru tsumori desu)
The most common and formal way to express “gonna” in Japanese is by using the phrase “するつもりです” (suru tsumori desu). This phrase translates to “I intend to do” and is suitable for polite situations, such as formal presentations, business meetings, or when speaking with superiors.
今晩映画を観るつもりです。
(Konban eiga o miru tsumori desu.)
I intend to watch a movie tonight.明日、大学に行くつもりです。
(Ashita, daigaku ni iku tsumori desu.)
I intend to go to university tomorrow. - 予定です (yotei desu)
Another formal way to express future plans similar to “gonna” is by using the word “予定です” (yotei desu), which means “it is planned”. This expression is ideal for more structured situations, such as discussing itineraries or scheduled events.
来月、日本に旅行する予定です。
(Raigetsu, Nihon ni ryokō suru yotei desu.)
I have plans to travel to Japan next month.明日の朝会議があります。
(Ashita no asa kaigi ga arimasu.)
We have a meeting scheduled for tomorrow morning. - してみます (shite mimasu)
If you want to convey the idea of “trying” to do something in a formal setting, you can use the phrase “してみます” (shite mimasu) which means “I will try to do”. This expression shows a willingness to make an effort without the strong commitment implied by other phrases.
この週末、ギターを弾いてみます。
(Kono shūmatsu, gitā o hite mimasu.)
I will try playing the guitar this weekend.明日、日本料理を作ってみます。
(Ashita, Nihon ryōri o tsukutte mimasu.)
I will try cooking Japanese food tomorrow.
Informal Expressions
- するつもり (suru tsumori)
In informal situations, the formal ending “です” can be dropped, leaving just “するつもり” (suru tsumori). This expression is commonly used among friends, acquaintances, or in casual conversations.
今晩映画を観るつもり。
(Konban eiga o miru tsumori.)
I’m gonna watch a movie tonight.明日、大学に行くつもり。
(Ashita, daigaku ni iku tsumori.)
I’m gonna go to university tomorrow. - する予定 (suru yotei)
Similar to the formal expression, in an informal setting, you can drop the polite ending “です” and use the phrase “する予定” (suru yotei) to convey “gonna”. This expression is suitable for conversations among friends or in casual contexts.
来月、日本に旅行する予定。
(Raigetsu, Nihon ni ryokō suru yotei.)
I have plans to travel to Japan next month.明日の朝会議がある予定。
(Ashita no asa kaigi ga aru yotei.)
We have a meeting scheduled for tomorrow morning. - してみる (shite miru)
In informal situations, the phrase “してみる” (shite miru) can be used to mean “gonna try”. This expression is commonly used among friends or in less formal contexts.
この週末、ギターを弾いてみる。
(Kono shūmatsu, gitā o hite miru.)
I’ll try playing the guitar this weekend.明日、日本料理を作ってみる。
(Ashita, Nihon ryōri o tsukutte miru.)
I’ll try cooking Japanese food tomorrow.
Regional Variations
Japanese is spoken in various regions, and some expressions may differ slightly depending on the locality. However, for expressing “gonna,” the variations mentioned above are widely understood and used throughout Japan. Regional dialects may have their own unique ways to convey similar meanings, but they are beyond the scope of this guide.
Conclusion
Mastering how to express “gonna” in Japanese is essential for effective communication. By understanding the formal and informal expressions we discussed, you can adapt your speech to various social contexts while conveying your future plans. Remember to consider the level of politeness necessary and the formality of the situation when choosing the appropriate expression. Practice using these phrases in conversations to reinforce your understanding, and soon you’ll find yourself seamlessly incorporating them into your Japanese conversations. Happy learning!
