Main language structures
Voう／よう
Syntax: Volitional form.
Usage: Plain form equivalent of the -ましょう form.
Morphology: See Morphology
Usage:
- 少し休もうか。
Shall we rest a while?
Voう／よう と思う。
Usage: Used to show what the speaker thinks they might do
Example:
- 週末は海に行こうと思います。
I think I’ll go to the beach this weekend.
Voう／よう と思っている。
Usage: Used to show what the speaker is thinking of doing
Example:
- 週末は海に行こうと思っています。
I’m thinking of going to the beach this weekend.
Usage: This structure is often used to show what somebody else is thinking of doing.
Example:
- 彼は外国で働こうと思っています。
He’s thinking of working overseas.
Vuつもりです。
Syntax: Vmod N
Usage: Used to show the speaker’s intention to do something.
Example:
- 国へ帰っても、柔道を続けるつもりです。
Even when I go back to my country, I’ll continue with my judo.
Vnaiつもりです。
Syntax: Vnai_mod N
Usage: Used to show the speaker’s intention not to do something.
Example:
- 明日からはタバコを吸わないつもりです。
I’m determined not to smoke from tomorrow.
Vuよていです。
Syntax: Vmod N
Usage: Used to tell somebody about a schedule.
Examples:
- 7月の終わりにドイツへ出張する予定です。
I’m scheduled to go on a business trip at the end of July.
まだVteいない
Syntax: Adverb
Usage: Used to show that something has not been done yet.
Note: In a positive sentence, まだmeans “still”, whereas in a negative sentence it means “not yet.”
Example:
- 銀行はまだ開いていません。
The bank isn’t open yet.
そ～／こ～
Syntax: Demonstrative
Usage: そ～ can be used to represent something that has been referred to. In writing, sometimes こ～ can be used instead, to describe something as if it really exists.
Example:
- わたしが一番欲しい物は「どこでもドア」です。このドアを開けると、どこでも行きたい所へ行けます。
What I want most is a “magic door.” When you open this door, you can go anywhere you want.