Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to express “I thought” in Japanese! In this article, we will explore various formal and informal ways to convey this idea, providing you with helpful tips, examples, and regional variations if necessary. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Informal Expressions for “I Thought”
When interacting with friends, family, or close acquaintances, using informal expressions to convey your thoughts is quite common in Japanese. Here are a few useful phrases:
1. 思った (Omotte)
The simplest way to say “I thought” in an informal setting is by using the verb “omou” (思う) in its past form:
“彼は来ないと思った。” (Kare wa konai to omotta.) – “I thought he wouldn’t come.”
The subject of the sentence (in this case, “he”) may vary depending on the context.
2. 思ってた (Omotteta)
Adding the auxiliary verb “–te iru” (ている) in its past form enhances the sense of continuous or ongoing thoughts. This expression is used when you have been thinking about something for a while:
“明日は忙しいと思ってた。” (Ashita wa isogashii to omotteta.) – “I thought I would be busy tomorrow.”
Note that “to omotteta” indicates your prior expectation about being busy tomorrow.
3. 思っていたんだ (Omotte ita nda)
By combining the past progressive form of “iru” (いる) with the explanatory particle “nda” (んだ), you can add a sense of explanation to your statement:
“明日は遅くまで勉強していたんだと思っていた。” (Ashita wa osokumade benkyou shite ita nda to omotte ita.) – “I thought you were studying until late tomorrow.”
This expression indicates that you had assumed someone would be studying all the way until late tomorrow.
Formal Expressions for “I Thought”
In more formal situations where respect and politeness are important, it is necessary to modify the expressions. Let’s take a look at a few formal ways to say “I thought” in Japanese:
1. 思いました (Omoimashita)
Using the polite past tense form of the verb “omou” (思う), you can express “I thought” in a formal manner:
“彼は来ないと思いました。” (Kare wa konai to omoimashita.) – “I thought he wouldn’t come.”
This is a respectful expression suitable for professional or formal occasions.
2. 思っていました (Omotte imashita)
To express ongoing thoughts in a formal setting, you can use the polite progressive form of “omou” (思う) to convey a similar meaning as “I thought” or “I had been thinking”:
“明日は忙しいと思っていました。” (Ashita wa isogashii to omotte imashita.) – “I thought I would be busy tomorrow.”
This form is suitable when expressing your expectations or assumptions in a polite manner.
3. 思っていたんです (Omotte ita ndesu)
In a formal context, if you wish to add an explanatory tone, use the polite past progressive form “omotte ita ndesu” (思っていたんです):
“明日は遅くまで勉強していたんですと思っていました。” (Ashita wa osokumade benkyou shite ita ndesu to omotte imashita.) – “I thought you were studying until late tomorrow.”
This expresses a polite assumption or expectation about someone studying until late tomorrow.
Additional Tips and Examples
Now that we have covered a range of formal and informal ways to say “I thought” in Japanese, let’s explore a few additional tips and examples to help you become more comfortable with these expressions:
1. Context Matters
Ensure you consider the context in which you are using these phrases, as the subject and verb form may change depending on the situation.
2. Modify the Verb
You can modify the verb “omou” (思う) by conjugating it differently to match the desired tense, such as “omotta” (past), “omou” (present), or “omou darou” (probable thought).
3. Combine with Other Words
You can combine “I thought” expressions with other words or phrases to add more depth to the statement. For example:
“急に雨が降り出すと思いもしなかった。” (Kyuu ni ame ga furidasu to omoi mo shinakatta.) – “I never thought it would suddenly start raining.”
In this example, “omoimo shinakatta” emphasizes the speaker’s surprise at the sudden rain.
4. Practice Makes Perfect
As with any language, practice is key to mastering new expressions. Try using these phrases in conversations with native speakers or language partners.
Remember to continue expanding your vocabulary and understanding of Japanese grammar to communicate more effectively!
In conclusion, this guide has provided you with multiple ways to express “I thought” in Japanese. Whether you’re in an informal or formal setting, you now have a range of phrases to choose from. Use these expressions wisely, paying attention to the context, and further enhance your Japanese language skills. Keep practicing, and with time, you’ll become more comfortable using these expressions naturally. Best of luck on your journey to Japanese fluency!
