JLPT N4 Grammar – Difference between “〜つもりだ” and “〜予定だ”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “〜つもりだ” and “〜予定だ”
2. 〜つもりだ
3. 〜予定だ
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Q: Is there a difference between “〜つもりだ” and “〜予定だ”?
A: Both express future actions or plans, but they differ in meaning, usage, and nuance.
〜つもりだ (JLPT N4)
[Meaning]
Expresses an intention that has been thought out and decided in advance
It includes a strong feeling of wanting to put it into action
[Rule]
[V] Verb dictionary form / ない form + つもりだ
[Examples]
来年、アメリカへ留学するつもりです。
I intend to study abroad in the United States next year.
次の会議には参加しないつもりです。
I don’t intend to participate in the next meeting.
今年中にN2を取得するつもりで毎日勉強しています。
I’m studying every day with the intention of passing the N2 exam this year.
今日は早めに寝るつもりだったけど、つい夜更かししてしまいました。
I had planned to go to bed early today, but I ended up staying up late.
“つもり” means “something that has been thought out in advance” or “something one has decided to do.”
It expresses a strong intention to achieve a certain goal or to put it into action.
It is used when the plan is concrete, deliberate, and highly likely to be realized.
[Examples]
日本語がもっと上手になりたいので、オンラインで勉強するつもりです。
I intend to study online because I want to become better at Japanese.
マネジメントについて学ぶために、来月からセミナーに参加するつもりです。
I intend to participate in a seminar starting next month to learn about management.
〜予定だ (JLPT N4)
[Meaning]
Expresses an event or action that has been decided in advance
It is used not to convey personal intention, but to communicate an objective schedule or something that has already been decided
[Rule]
[V] Verb dictionary form / ない form + 予定だ
[N] Noun + の + 予定だ
[Examples]
今日は午後からお客様が来る予定です。
A customer is scheduled to come this afternoon.
13時から会議の予定です。
There is a meeting scheduled at 1 p.m.
旅行は来週の土曜日に出発する予定です。
We are scheduled to depart for the trip next Saturday.
この件については、次回のミーティングで話し合う予定です。
This matter is scheduled to be discussed at the next meeting.
The “予” in “予定” means “in advance,” and “定” means “to be decided” or “to determine.”
In other words, “予定” refers to deciding on an event or action ahead of time.
Compared to “つもり,” it conveys slightly weaker intention or will and has a more objective nuance, focusing on communicating a schedule.
[Examples]
明日は朝9時ごろに出発する予定です。
I am scheduled to depart around 9 a.m. tomorrow.
子供は来年からアメリカに留学する予定です。
My child is scheduled to study abroad in the United States starting next year.
Let’s Compare
In the following cases, which expression is more appropriate?
[Examples]
① 明日からダイエットするつもりです。
② 明日からダイエットする予定です。
Both can be used.
However, ① expresses a stronger personal intention compared to ②.
[Examples]
① 次のバスは5分後に到着するつもりです。
② 次のバスは5分後に到着する予定です。
The correct answer is ②.
Since you are talking about a prearranged bus schedule, “予定” is the more appropriate expression.
[Examples]
① 社長、午後からどのようなつもりですか。
② 社長、午後からどのようなご予定ですか。
The correct answer is ②.
When speaking to a superior, “つもり” should not be used. It is more appropriate and polite to ask about their “ご予定” (schedule).
Also, in this case, you are asking about a schedule, so “予定” is the correct choice, not “つもり.”
In summary, “つもり” expresses a subjective, strong personal intention, while “予定” is objective and used to communicate a schedule that has been decided in advance.
Summary
[〜つもりだ]
- It is a subjective expression that shows a strong intention to achieve a certain goal or put it into action.
- It is used when the plan is concrete and deliberate, and there is a high possibility that it will be realized.
- It is not used when speaking to someone of higher status.
- It does not carry the meaning of communicating a “schedule.”
[〜予定だ]
- It is an objective expression that indicates “deciding on an event or action in advance.”
- It carries the nuance of a schedule and expresses slightly weaker intention or will compared to “つもり.”
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. 予定
来週はミーティングの予定があります。
Next week, I have a meeting scheduled.
*”〜がある” naturally pairs with “予定“.
A. 予定
先生は夏休みは何をする予定ですか。
What are your plans for the summer vacation, sensei?
*Since you are asking a superior, it is appropriate to use the polite “予定“.
A. つもり
来年は絶対に富士山に登るつもりです。
I am absolutely determined to climb Mt. Fuji next year.
* Because “absolutely” shows strong determination, “つもり” is the appropriate choice.
A. つもり
N3に受かりたいので、頑張って勉強するつもりです。
I want to pass the N3 exam, so I intend to study hard.
*”Study hard” conveys strong will, so “つもり” is the correct choice.
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