7.6 ～と思う — I Think

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Overview

Learn how to express opinions, beliefs, and guesses using ～と思う. This is one of the most frequently used patterns in Japanese conversation.

Plain form verb/adjective/noun + と思う

Note: the clause before と is always in plain form (not polite form), even in a polite sentence.

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I think this movie is interesting.

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I think it will rain tomorrow.

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I don't think he will come.

～と思っている (おもっている) expresses a belief or intention that is ongoing — something you currently think or are thinking of doing.

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I'm thinking of living in Japan (ongoing plan).

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I'm thinking of quitting.

～と考える (かんがえる) is similar but suggests more deliberate analysis rather than casual opinion.

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I consider this problem to be difficult.

To report what someone else thinks, use ～と思っている for ongoing states:

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She thinks this movie is good.

Don't use と思います for others' feelings — use と思っています or と言っています.

A: Will you go to next week's party? B: I think I'll go. But I'm not sure yet.

A: What do you think of that restaurant? B: I think it's a bit expensive, but the food is good.

A: Do you want to live in Japan in the future? B: Let me see — I'm thinking I'd like to try living there.

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