When learning a new language, it’s vital to grasp the various ways to express your thoughts and opinions. In Japanese, conveying the phrase “I think that” allows you to express your viewpoints effectively. This guide will explore both formal and informal ways to say “I think that” in Japanese. Additionally, it will provide you with valuable tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
Formal language is commonly used when addressing superiors, strangers, or in professional settings. Here are a few ways to express “I think that” formally in Japanese:
1. と思います (to omoimasu)
The most common and straightforward way to express “I think that” in formal situations is by using the phrase “と思います”. You can attach it directly to a sentence to express your opinion:
彼は優秀だと思います。
(Kare wa yuushu da to omoimasu.)
“I think that he is excellent.”
2. と考えます (to kangaemasu)
An alternate formal expression for “I think” is “と考えます”. While it might seem similar to the previous expression, it emphasizes a more deliberate process of thinking or considering:
彼女の提案は妥当だと考えます。
(Kanojo no teian wa datou da to kangaemasu.)
“I think that her proposal is reasonable.”
Informal Expressions
Informal language is used amongst friends, family members, or in casual situations. Here are a few ways to express “I think that” informally in Japanese:
1. と思う (to omou)
The informal version of “と思います” is “と思う”. This expression is commonly used in everyday conversations between familiar individuals:
明日は雨が降ると思う。
(Ashita wa ame ga furu to omou.)
“I think it will rain tomorrow.”
2. かなと思う (kana to omou)
Attaching “かな” to the informal verb “と思う” adds a sense of uncertainty or doubt to your statement:
目的地に着く時間は１１時かなと思う。
(Mokutekichi ni tsuku jikan wa juuichi-ji kana to omou.)
“I think we will arrive at the destination around 11 o’clock, I guess.”
Tips for Usage
Here are some tips to help you master the usage of these phrases:
1. Verb Conjugation
The expressions “と思います” and “と考えます” follow the formal conjugation patterns, while “と思う” and “かなと思う” follow the informal ones. Ensure you conjugate the verbs properly based on the level of formality you wish to express.
2. Sentence Structure
When using these expressions, it’s crucial to remember that the opinion or thought is often followed by the subject and other sentence components. Maintain the sentence structure while inserting these phrases appropriately, as shown in the previous examples.
3. Context Matters
Remember that the usage of these phrases relies heavily on the context and relationship with the person you are speaking with. Always consider the appropriate level of formality for each situation.
Regional Variations
While there aren’t significant regional variations related to expressing “I think that” in Japanese, it’s worth noting that dialects and unique expressions might exist in certain areas. However, these variations are not directly tied to the phrase “I think that.” To ensure a clear understanding, it is recommended to focus on the standard formal and informal ways described above.
Conclusion
This guide introduced you to both formal and informal ways of saying “I think that” in Japanese. By utilizing “と思います” and “と考えます” in formal situations, and “と思う” and “かなと思う” in informal contexts, you can effectively express your opinions. Remember to consider verb conjugation, understand sentence structure, and adapt the level of formality according to the context. With these tools and the provided examples, you are well on your way to confidently expressing your thoughts and opinions in Japanese.
