Use 思う to express what you think or feel, from a prediction to a lasting intention.
The idea
思う is a godan verb. Put a plain clause before と to quote the thought: 雨が降ると思います. A noun or な-adjective takes だ before と. 思っています can describe a belief or intention held over time.
| Dictionary form | Polite non-past | Polite negative | Polite past | て form |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 思う | 思います | 思いません | 思いました | 思って |
Examples
- 明日は雨が降ると思います。I think it will rain tomorrow.
- この本は面白いと思います。I think this book is interesting.
- それはいい考えだとは思いません。I do not think that is a good idea.
- ずっと日本に住みたいと思っています。I have long thought that I want to live in Japan.
- 駅は近いと思いましたが、遠かったです。I thought the station was close, but it was far away.
- この計画をどう思いますか。What do you think about this plan?
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Watch out
Do not put ます inside the quoted clause in this pattern. For another person’s private thoughts, avoid presenting 思う as direct access; use evidence or reported speech.
Try it yourself
＿。（思う→ます）
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思います
思います is the polite non-past form; context decides whether the thought concerns now or the future.
＿。（思う→て）
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思って
思って is the て form: the final う changes to って.
明日は晴れる＿思います。（と／を）
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と
と marks the clause 晴れる as the thought; を does not serve as this quotation marker.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Japanese sentences where available. We keep your score.
＿。（思う→ます）
＿。（思う→て）
明日は晴れる＿思います。（と／を）
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Give your opinion about a book with a plain clause and と, then make 思う polite.