〜と思う I think that
Core meaning - I think that
Form - Plain form + と思います; Plain form + と思う; Plain form + と思っています; Plain form + と思っている
Usage - Focus on the highlighted segment in each example; surrounding words can change while the pattern function stays the same.
Use this pattern for its grammatical function, not as a literal word-by-word translation.
See examples below for varied real-world usage.
Plain form before と思う
- ✅ 美味しいと思う
- ❌ 美味しいですと思う
と思う vs と思っている
- と思う = current thought/opinion
- と思っている = ongoing belief/intention
For third person, use と思っている
- 彼は行くと思っている (He thinks he'll go)
I think it will rain tomorrow.
I think he wont come.
I thought this was fine.
I believe Japanese is difficult.
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