と思います
to omoimasu
In Japanese, "i think that" is expressed as と思います (to omoimasu).
This phrase is used to express a personal opinion or a belief about something. In Japanese, it is frequently used as a softener to make an opinion or a statement sound less blunt or assertive.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the particle と, which functions as a quotation marker to indicate that the preceding clause is the content of the thought and 思います, which is the polite form of the verb meaning to think or feel.
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary or plain form と思う is used in casual speech instead of the polite と思います. If you wish to express a continuous state of thought or a belief held over a period of time, you can use the progressive form と思っています.
How do you pronounce it?
to omoimasu
Did you know?
- Japanese people often use と思います even when stating an objective fact, such as the weather, to avoid sounding like they are claiming absolute authority over the truth.
- In very formal business settings, instead of the standard 思います, people often use 存じます (zonjimasu), a humble form that shows much higher respect to the listener.
- When Japanese speakers want to express a strong conviction, they might avoid と思います entirely and instead use はずです, which implies that something 'must' be the case based on logic.
Examples in context
- 私は本当だと思います。I think that it's true.This sentence is useful for expressing that you think something is true using と思います.Tatoeba #159771 by KK_kaku_, translation #321657 by CK
- それは違うと思います。I think that is wrong.This sentence is useful for expressing that you think something is wrong using と思います.Tatoeba #205341 by bunbuku, translation #358194 by Tamangolang
- 大きすぎると思います。I think that it's too big.This sentence is useful for expressing that you think something is too big using と思います.Tatoeba #811769 by arihato, translation #808672 by Zifre
- 彼は優秀だと思います。I think that he is excellent.
- 彼女の提案は妥当だと考えます。I think that her proposal is reasonable.
- 明日は雨が降ると思う。I think it will rain tomorrow.
- 目的地に着く時間は１１時かなと思う。I think we will arrive at the destination around 11 o'clock, I guess.
- 56 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are discussing what to eat for dinner.
- 美咲 Misaki今日はカレーがいいと思います。kyou wa karee ga ii to omoimasu.I think curry is good for today.
- 健太 Kentaいいですね。そうしましょう。ii desu ne. sou shimashou.That sounds good. Let's do that.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さんは、何が食べたいですか？kenta san wa, nani ga tabetai desu ka?Kenta, what do you want to eat?
- 健太 Kenta僕は、ラーメンもいいと思います。boku wa, raamen mo ii to omoimasu.I think ramen would also be good.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
