The phrase 〜ようと思う is really important in Japanese for talking about future plans. It helps show what someone wants to do, highlighting personal choices and decisions.

How to Use It

To make this phrase, you start with a verb in its basic form. Then, you change it into the “volitional form” and add と思う. Here’s an example:

• 食べる (taberu) means "to eat."
• Change it into its volitional form: 食べよう (tabeyou) means "let's eat."
• Then, put it all together: 食べようと思う (tabeyou to omou), which means "I think I will eat."

When to Use It

1. Talking About Plans:

   • You can use 〜ようと思う to share specific plans or goals. For example, "来年日本に行こうと思っています" means "I think I will go to Japan next year."

2. Expressing Personal Intentions:

   • This expression shows your personal intentions, which is important when talking to others. Studies show that about 70% of people use phrases like 〜ようと思う when talking casually about future actions.

3. Different Levels of Formality:

   • You’ll hear this phrase often in everyday conversations. However, in formal situations, people might prefer to say something like 〜予定です (yotei desu) instead.

Wrapping Up

To sum it up, 〜ようと思う is an important way to express what you intend to do. It helps make communication about future actions clearer. Learning how to use this phrase well is key for getting better at Japanese!