I2 - Lesson 2

overview:

In this lesson, we'll learn how to form and use volitional form. This is the plain form of V(ましょう). We've already learned that volitional form expresses the intention of the speaker. E.g. Let's do this.

How to make volitional form

Group 1 verb

You can change a group 1 verb into imperative form by changing the u to ou.

E.g.
書く -> 書こう
急ぐ -> 急ごう
話す -> 話そう
待つ -> 待とう
死ぬ -> 死のう
休む -> 休もう
使う -> 使おう

Group 2 verb

You can change a verb into imperative form by changing the ru to you.

E.g.
食べる -> 食べよう
止める -> 止めよう
気をつける -> 気をつけよう
起きる -> 起きよう

Group 3 verb

Group 3 is little special. You'll have to remember it by heart.
‍
E.g.
する -> しよう
勉強する -> 勉強しよう
来る -> 来よう (こよう)
持って来る -> 持って来よう

Usage of volitional form

1. Asking or inviting the listener.


Examples:

Shall we go to the mall?
モールに行こう？

That's a good idea. Let's go.
それはいいね。行こう。

Shall we meet at 1:30PM outside the train station?
１：３０午後に駅の外で会おう？

2. Proposing and asking for the listener's volition.


Examples:

Shall I open the door?
ドアーを開けよう？

Yes, please open it.
うん、開けてくれ。(くれ is the plain form for ください. See lesson 33.)

3. Indicating speaker's volition.


Examples:

I'm going to read a book before I sleep.
寝る前に本を読もう。

I'm going to my friend's house.
友達の家に行こう。

4. Verbs in plain volitional form + と思います.

This structure means can be literally translated as:
I think I will do...


Examples:

I think I will have sushi tomorrow.
明日寿司を食べようと思います。

I think I will get married next year.
私は来年結婚しようと思います。

Things to note:
  • The difference between the standard V + と思います and V(plain volitional) + と思います is that the first doesn't carry the speaker's volition.

5. Verbs in plain volitional form + 思っています.

While to 思います indicates the speaker's volition at the time it was relayed, と思っています indicates that the speaker has that thought before and up to the time the thought was relayed. Think of it as, "I've been thinking..."


Examples:

I have been thinking about having sushi for dinner.
夕食に寿司を食べようと思っています。

I'm thinking of getting married next year.
私は来年結婚しようと思っています。

I've been thinking of playing basketball tomorrow morning.
明日の朝バスケットボールをすると思っています。

6. ...つもりです...

つもりです can be literally translated into "I intend to..." It is used with V(plain form) + つもりです.


Examples:

I intend to buy a house next year.
来年家を買うつもりです。

I intend to get married next year.
来年結婚するつもりです。

I do not intend to go on a trip this year.
今年旅行に行かないつもりです。

Things to note:
  • つもりです is usually reserved for bigger plans. You can use と思います for smaller things like lunch, meeting with friends etc.
  • The negative form of つもりです is つもり は/が ありません. However, this is a very strong negative. It can be thought of as... "I have never ever intended..."