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See the whole course›Beginner 2›Customs & Etiquette

Japanese grammar · ≈ JLPT N4 · Beginner 2

〜と思います~to omoimasu

I think; give an opinion

Put a plain-form thought before 「と」 to give your opinion or express a judgment or tentative suggestion.

Start the interactive lessonIllustrated cards, audio and speaking practice

How it works

  1. When you find a problem difficult, use 「と思います」 to express what you think.

    When you find a problem difficult, use 「と思います」 to express what you think.

  2. Saying 「解決できると思います」 expresses your own judgment or guess.

    Saying 「解決できると思います」 expresses your own judgment or guess.

  3. If you think more discussion is needed, 「と思います」 can also soften a suggestion.

    If you think more discussion is needed, 「と思います」 can also soften a suggestion.

  4. Put what you think before 「と」, ending it in the plain form, then add 「思います」.

    Put what you think before 「と」, ending it in the plain form, then add 「思います」.

  5. い-adjectives connect directly to 「と」: 「難しいと思います」. Do not add 「だ」.

    い-adjectives connect directly to 「と」: 「難しいと思います」. Do not add 「だ」.

  6. For nouns and な-adjectives, add 「だ」 in the affirmative present form, as in 「国だ」 and 「きれいだ」.

    For nouns and な-adjectives, add 「だ」 in the affirmative present form, as in 「国だ」 and 「きれいだ」.

  7. Do not use 「です・ます」 before 「と」. The final 「思います」 makes the whole sentence polite.

    Do not use 「です・ます」 before 「と」. The final 「思います」 makes the whole sentence polite.

  8. In the example, 「きれいな」 modifies 「国」. The ending is a noun, so use 「国だ」.

    In the example, 「きれいな」 modifies 「国」. The ending is a noun, so use 「国だ」.

  9. 「どう思いますか」 asks for the other person’s opinion. You can answer with 「〜と思います」.

    「どう思いますか」 asks for the other person’s opinion. You can answer with 「〜と思います」.

Example sentences

  • 日本にっぽんnipponはわwaとてもtotemoきれいなkireina国くにkuniだdaとto思います。おもいますomoimasu

    I think Japan is a very beautiful country.

In a conversation

  • A
    この問題もんだいについてどう思いますおもいますか。か

    A: What do you think about this issue?

  • B
    難しいむずかしいと思いますおもいますが、が解決かいけつ

Check yourself

  1. Level 1 · Recognise

    Which sentence is correct?

  2. Level 1 · Recognise

    Listen and choose the meaning

  3. Level 2 · Build

    Put the words in order

    I think Japan is a very beautiful country.

  4. Level 3 · Use

    What goes in the blank?

    この規則を守ることが大切だ 。

    I think it is important to follow this rule.

More grammar in this theme

  • 〜と思いますI think; give an opinion

Keep practising

Test your Japanese vocabulary12 adaptive questions, freeCheck your pronunciationRead aloud and get a scorePractise verb forms10-question conjugation quizSee the whole courseGrammar, vocabulary and quizzes by theme
あなたanata
はわwa
どうdou
思いますおもいますomoimasu
か。かka

What do you think?

  • このkono問題もんだいmondaiはわwa難しいむずかしいmuzukashiiとto思います。おもいますomoimasu

    I think this problem is difficult.

    • できる
    と
    思います。おもいます

    B: I think it's difficult, but I believe it can be resolved.

  • A
    そうですか。か私わたしはわもっと話しはなし合うあう必要ひつようがあると思います。おもいます

    A: I see. I think we need to discuss it further.

    • 〜と、〜condition and result
    〜と言いますreporting what someone said
    〜てはいけませんprohibited action
    〜なければなりませんmust do
    〜なくてもいいですdo not have to
    Previous〜なくてもいいです