N3Chapter 48Unit 2 · Time, Change, and Plans

Plans and Intentions

Learning objectives

  • Separate a firm intention from a tentative idea.
  • Use 予定 for an arranged schedule rather than a wish.
  • Describe an ongoing personal policy with ことにしている.
N3 context
A plan can be a private intention, a thought still under consideration, a fixed item on a schedule, or a rule you repeatedly choose to follow. N3 questions often hide that difference behind the same English word.
Vocabulary語彙
6 terms

  • 進学

    noun

    しんがく

    Show romaji

    shingaku

    advancing to further education

  • 応募する

    verb

    おうぼする

    Show romaji

    oubo suru

    to apply

  • 検討する

    verb

    けんとうする

    Show romaji

    kentou suru

    to consider carefully

  • 日程

    noun

    にってい

    Show romaji

    nittei

    schedule; programme

  • 延期

    noun

    えんき

    Show romaji

    enki

    postponement

  • 方針

    noun

    ほうしん

    Show romaji

    houshin

    policy; course of action

1. Strength and status of a plan

Pattern contrast使い分け

How settled is the plan?

V-る／V-ないつもりだ

firm intention

firm present intention

States what the subject currently intends. It is not used to assert another person's intention without evidence.

卒業後は日本で働くつもりです。

I intend to work in Japan after graduating.

V-ようと思う

forming intention

a decision or thought forming now

Often softer and less settled than つもり. The volitional form highlights the speaker's will.

今夜、先生に相談しようと思います。

I think I’ll consult the teacher tonight.

V-ることを考えている

tentative

be considering

The idea remains under consideration and may change.

来年、大学院へ進むことを考えています。

I am considering going to graduate school next year.

V-る／Nの予定だ

scheduled

scheduled or arranged

Describes an event placed on a timetable or otherwise concretely arranged.

面接は三時に始まる予定です。

The interview is scheduled to begin at three.
Grammar文法
V-る／V-ないことにしている

means maintain a personal rule or repeated commitment

Formation

Dictionary or ない-form + ことにしている

Examples

平日は、寝る前に仕事のメールを見ないことにしています。

Show reading

heijitsu wa, neru mae ni shigoto no meeru o minai koto ni shite imasu.

On weekdays, I make it a rule not to check work email before bed.

新しい表現を覚えたら、その日のうちに使うことにしています。

Show reading

atarashii hyougen o oboetara, sono hi no uchi ni tsukau koto ni shite imasu.

When I learn a new expression, I make a point of using it that same day.

予定 is not simply another word for hope

日本へ行く予定です suggests an arranged trip. If it is only an idea, use 行こうと思っています or 行くことを考えています.

After graduation会話
Aya

卒業したら、どうするつもり？

Show reading

sotsugyou shitara, dou suru tsumori?

What do you intend to do after graduating?

Leo

日本の会社に応募することを考えている。

Show reading

nihon no kaisha ni oubo suru koto o kangaete iru.

I’m considering applying to a Japanese company.

Aya

もう応募する会社は決めたの？

Show reading

mou oubo suru kaisha wa kimeta no?

Have you decided which company to apply to?

Leo

まだ。でも、今週中に三社調べようと思っている。

Show reading

mada. demo, konshuujuu ni sansha shirabeyou to omotte iru.

Not yet. But I’m thinking of researching three companies this week.
Guided practice練習

Express each plan at the strength stated.

  1. 1.A conference is formally scheduled for 18 September.

  2. 2.You are only considering moving closer to work.

  3. 3.You maintain a rule of speaking Japanese during lunch.
Reading practice読解

Volunteer orientation

email

Target: 2 minutes
来月から、地域の日本語教室でボランティアをする予定です。以前から参加しようと思っていましたが、仕事との両立が難しく、なかなか応募できませんでした。教室は毎週土曜日に開かれます。無理をしないために、初めの三か月は月に二回だけ参加することにしています。
両立（りょうりつ）
balancing two activities
地域（ちいき）
local community
  1. Which plan is already arranged?
  2. What continuing policy has the writer chosen?
Listening rehearsal聴解

A tentative weekend plan

Listen for what is fixed and what is still undecided.

Listen before opening the transcript.
  1. What is already scheduled?
  2. What might change depending on crowding?
Key takeawaysまとめ
  • 1つもり states a firm current intention; ようと思う often presents an intention as it forms.
  • 2ことを考えている remains tentative, while 予定 describes a concrete schedule.
  • 3ことにしている is a repeated personal rule, not an outside regulation.

Knowledge Check

Practice quiz
1 / 8

The flight is booked for 9:30. 飛行機は九時半に出発する＿＿です。