Learning how to express future plans in Japanese is an essential skill for anyone looking to achieve fluency in the language. Whether you’re planning a trip, discussing your career aspirations, or simply making plans with friends, knowing the right vocabulary and grammatical structures is crucial. In this article, we will delve into the various ways to talk about future plans in Japanese, covering both formal and informal contexts.
Basic Vocabulary for Future Plans
Before diving into the grammar, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with some basic vocabulary that you’ll frequently use when discussing future plans. Here are some key words and phrases:
– **Plan**: 計画 (けいかく, keikaku)
– **Future**: 未来 (みらい, mirai)
– **Next week**: 来週 (らいしゅう, raishuu)
– **Next month**: 来月 (らいげつ, raigetsu)
– **Next year**: 来年 (らいねん, rainen)
– **Tomorrow**: 明日 (あした, ashita)
– **Day after tomorrow**: 明後日 (あさって, asatte)
– **To intend/to plan**: つもり (tsumori)
– **Will/going to**: でしょう (deshou)
Using the Present Tense for Future Plans
In Japanese, the present tense can often be used to talk about future actions, especially in casual conversation. This might be a bit confusing for English speakers, as we typically use a specific future tense. Here’s an example:
– 明日、映画を見ます。(あした、えいがをみます。Ashita, eiga o mimasu.)
– Translation: I will watch a movie tomorrow.
In this sentence, the verb 見ます (mimasu – to watch) is in the present tense, but because we have 明日 (ashita – tomorrow) in the sentence, it is understood that the action will take place in the future.
Using つもり (Tsumori) to Indicate Intention
When you want to be explicit about your intentions, you can use つもり (tsumori). This word is used to express something that you plan or intend to do.
– 来年、日本に行くつもりです。(らいねん、にほんにいくつもりです。Rainen, Nihon ni iku tsumori desu.)
– Translation: I plan to go to Japan next year.
In this example, 行く (iku – to go) is followed by つもり (tsumori), indicating a firm intention to perform the action.
Using Volitional Form for Suggestions and Intentions
The volitional form of a verb is another way to express future intentions or suggestions. This form is often used in informal settings among friends or family.
For example:
– 映画を見よう。(えいがをみよう。Eiga o miyou.)
– Translation: Let’s watch a movie.
– 明日、図書館に行こうと思います。(あした、としょかんにいこうとおもいます。Ashita, toshokan ni ikou to omoimasu.)
– Translation: I think I will go to the library tomorrow.
In these sentences, 見よう (miyou) and 行こう (ikou) are the volitional forms of 見る (miru – to watch) and 行く (iku – to go), respectively. The volitional form is created by changing the verb stem and is a common way to indicate future plans or suggestions.
Using でしょう (Deshou) for Predictions and Uncertainty
Another useful word for discussing future plans is でしょう (deshou), which can indicate a probable action or event. It is often translated as “will” or “probably.”
– 明日は雨が降るでしょう。(あしたはあめがふるでしょう。Ashita wa ame ga furu deshou.)
– Translation: It will probably rain tomorrow.
This form can be used both in formal and informal contexts, but be mindful that it also carries a sense of uncertainty or prediction rather than a definite plan.
Expressing Future Plans with 予定 (Yotei)
予定 (よてい, yotei) is another word that comes in handy when discussing future plans. It is often translated as “schedule” or “plan.”
– 来週、旅行の予定があります。(らいしゅう、りょこうのよていがあります。Raishuu, ryokou no yotei ga arimasu.)
– Translation: I have a trip planned for next week.
In this example, 予定 (yotei) makes it clear that a specific plan has been set.
Combining Time Expressions and Verbs
When discussing future plans, combining specific time expressions with verbs is essential. Here are some examples to illustrate how you can do this effectively:
– 来月、友達と会います。(らいげつ、ともだちとあいます。Raigetsu, tomodachi to aimasu.)
– Translation: I will meet my friend next month.
– 明後日、試験があります。(あさって、しけんがあります。Asatte, shiken ga arimasu.)
– Translation: I have an exam the day after tomorrow.
These sentences combine time expressions (来月 – next month, 明後日 – the day after tomorrow) with verbs (会います – will meet, あります – will have) to clearly express future plans.
Formal vs. Informal Speech
Japanese has different levels of politeness, and it’s essential to know when to use formal or informal speech. When talking about future plans with friends or family, informal speech is usually acceptable. However, in a business or formal setting, you should use more polite language.
Informal Speech
– 明日、遊びに行く。(あした、あそびにいく。Ashita, asobi ni iku.)
– Translation: I will go out to play tomorrow.
– 来週、パーティーに行こう。(らいしゅう、パーティーにいこう。Raishuu, paatii ni ikou.)
– Translation: Let’s go to a party next week.
Formal Speech
– 明日、遊びに行きます。(あした、あそびにいきます。Ashita, asobi ni ikimasu.)
– Translation: I will go out to play tomorrow.
– 来週、パーティーに行きましょう。(らいしゅう、パーティーにいきましょう。Raishuu, paatii ni ikimashou.)
– Translation: Let’s go to a party next week.
Notice the difference in verb endings and the use of more polite forms like ます (masu) and ましょう (mashou) in formal speech.
Using Conditional Forms to Express Future Plans
Conditional forms can also be used to talk about future plans, particularly when discussing potential scenarios or contingencies.
Using たら (Tara) Form
The たら (tara) form is commonly used to express “if” scenarios that relate to future plans.
– 雨が降ったら、家にいます。(あめがふったら、いえにいます。Ame ga futtara, ie ni imasu.)
– Translation: If it rains, I will stay home.
In this sentence, the conditional form 降ったら (futtara – if it rains) is used to indicate a future plan that depends on a specific condition.
Using なら (Nara) Form
The なら (nara) form is another conditional form that can be used to express plans based on certain conditions.
– 時間があるなら、買い物に行きます。(じかんがあるなら、かいものにいきます。Jikan ga aru nara, kaimono ni ikimasu.)
– Translation: If I have time, I will go shopping.
Here, the conditional form あるなら (aru nara – if I have) sets up a condition for the future plan of going shopping.
Using Particles to Clarify Future Plans
Particles play a crucial role in Japanese sentence structure, and using them correctly can help clarify your future plans.
Particle に (Ni)
The particle に (ni) is often used to indicate a specific time when an action will take place.
– 午後3時に会いましょう。(ごご3じにあいましょう。Gogo san-ji ni aimashou.)
– Translation: Let’s meet at 3 PM.
Here, the particle に (ni) specifies the time when the meeting will occur.
Particle まで (Made)
The particle まで (made) is used to indicate a deadline or the end of a period.
– 明日までにレポートを提出します。(あしたまでにレポートをていしゅつします。Ashita made ni repooto o teishutsu shimasu.)
– Translation: I will submit the report by tomorrow.
In this example, まで (made) sets the deadline for the future action of submitting the report.
Common Phrases for Making Plans
When making plans with others, certain phrases are particularly useful. Here are some common expressions:
– どうする？ (Dou suru?) – What will you do?
– 何をする予定ですか？ (なにをするよていですか？Nani o suru yotei desu ka?) – What are your plans?
– 一緒に行きませんか？ (いっしょにいきませんか？Issho ni ikimasen ka?) – Would you like to go together?
– いつがいいですか？ (Itsu ga ii desu ka?) – When is good for you?
Using these phrases can help you smoothly coordinate future plans with others.
Practice Makes Perfect
As with any aspect of language learning, practice is crucial. Try to incorporate these structures and vocabulary into your daily conversations. Practicing with native speakers, writing about your future plans, and even thinking in Japanese can significantly enhance your proficiency.
Here are some exercises to get you started:
1. Write a paragraph about your plans for the next weekend.
2. Have a conversation with a language partner about your future career goals.
3. Use conditional forms to discuss what you will do if certain conditions are met.
Conclusion
Talking about future plans in Japanese involves a variety of grammatical structures and vocabulary. By understanding how to use the present tense, つもり (tsumori), volitional forms, でしょう (deshou), and 予定 (yotei), you can effectively communicate your intentions and plans. Additionally, knowing when to use formal and informal speech and how to incorporate time expressions and particles will make your conversations more precise and natural.
Remember, language learning is a journey, and every step you take brings you closer to fluency. Keep practicing, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Happy learning!
