つもり vs 予定 vs 計画: Japanese Intention Expressions Guide
Learn the differences between つもり, 予定, and 計画 for expressing intentions and plans in Japanese. Clear examples for JLPT N4-N3.
•8 min read
Reviewed by GyanMirai Editorial Team•Last reviewed 2025-02-05
Advertisement
Support free Japanese study resources
Advertisement area
Grammar Comparison JLPT N4 JLPT N4 JLPT N3
つもり,予定, and計画
つもり vs 予定 vs 計画: Japanese Intention & Plan Expressions
Master the differences between つもり, 予定, and 計画 in Japanese. Learn when to express personal intention vs scheduled plans vs detailed planning.
Read time: 7 min readSearches: 2,900+ monthlyUpdated: February 14, 2026
Understanding the difference between つもり (tsumori),予定 (yotei), and 計画 (keikaku) is one of the most important distinctions in Japanese grammar. This comprehensive guide will help you master when and how to use each one correctly.
Grammar Point A
つもり (tsumori)
Intend to / Plan to (personal intention)
Expresses personal intention or resolve. Subjective - what YOU want to do. Can change easily.
Formation: Verb dictionary form + つもり / Verb ない form + つもり / Noun の + つもり
Grammar Point B
予定 (yotei)
Schedule / Scheduled plan
Expresses scheduled events or fixed plans. More objective and concrete than つもり.
Certainty level: つもり is least certain (personal wish). 予定 is moderately certain (scheduled). 計画 is most deliberate (thought-out plan).
2
Formality: つもり is casual/personal. 予定 is neutral/business. 計画 is formal/professional.
3
Detail level: つもり = just an intention. 予定 = time/date may be set. 計画 = detailed steps and considerations.
4
Changeability: つもり can change easily ('I was going to, but...'). 予定 is expected to happen. 計画 represents committed effort.
5
Scope: つもり for personal actions. 予定 for individual events/appointments. 計画 for larger projects involving multiple steps.
When to Use Which?
Follow this decision guide to choose the right grammar point.
Yes
Yes
Use つもり
No
Use 予定
No
Yes
Use 予定
No
Use つもり
Examples with Explanations
つもり
来年、日本に行くつもりです。
Rainen, Nihon ni iku tsumori desu.
I intend to go to Japan next year.
Tip: つもり shows personal intention. No tickets bought, no dates set - just a personal wish/plan.
Context: Casual conversation about future hopes
予定
来週の月曜日に出発する予定です。
Raishuu no getsuyoubi ni shuppatsu suru yotei desu.
I'm scheduled to depart next Monday.
Tip: 予定 shows a fixed schedule. The date is set, likely with tickets/reservations.
Context: Business/formal conversation about travel
計画
新しいビルの建設計画を発表しました。
Atarashii biru no kensetsu keikaku wo happyou shimashita.
They announced the plan for constructing a new building.
Tip: 計画 for large-scale projects with detailed blueprints, timelines, budgets.
Context: News/business announcement
つもり
そんなつもりはありませんでした。
Sonna tsumori wa arimasen deshita.
I didn't intend for that to happen. / That wasn't my intention.
Tip: つもり for clarifying personal intention (or lack thereof). Common apologetic expression.
Context: Apologizing or explaining a misunderstanding
予定
明日は何の予定もありません。
Ashita wa nan no yotei mo arimasen.
I have no plans tomorrow. / My schedule is free tomorrow.
Tip: 予定がある/ない pattern for talking about schedule availability.
Context: Making plans with friends
計画
旅行の計画を立てています。
Ryokou no keikaku wo tatete imasu.
I'm making travel plans. / I'm planning a trip.
Tip: 計画を立てる = to make detailed plans. Implies research, booking, itinerary creation.
Context: Discussing trip preparation
つもり
彼女と別れるつもりはない。
Kanojo to wakareru tsumori wa nai.
I don't intend to break up with her.
Tip: つもりはない = have no intention of. For denying an assumed intention.
Context: Relationship discussion
予定
会議の予定を変更してもいいですか？
Kaigi no yotei wo henkou shite mo ii desu ka?
May I change the meeting schedule?
Tip: 予定 for scheduled appointments that can be rescheduled.
Context: Office/business situation
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1Using 計画 for simple personal intentions: 「コーヒーを飲む計画です」
Correction: コーヒーを飲むつもりです / コーヒーを飲もうと思います
計画 is for detailed, significant plans. For simple actions, use つもり or ～ようと思う.
Mistake #2Using つもり for fixed schedules: 「電車は3時に出発するつもりです」
Correction: 電車は3時に出発する予定です
Train schedules are fixed, not personal intentions. Use 予定 for scheduled events.
Mistake #3Confusing the negative forms: 「行かないつもり」vs「行くつもりはない」
Correction: 行かないつもり = intend NOT to go / 行くつもりはない = have NO intention of going
Both are negative, but emphasis differs. The second form emphasizes lack of intention.
Mistake #4Using 予定 for vague future wishes: 「いつか結婚する予定です」
Correction: いつか結婚したいです / いつか結婚するつもりです
予定 implies a set schedule. 'Someday' is too vague - use つもり or ～たい.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with these practice questions. Click on your answer to see if you are correct.
0 / 6 answered
Q1
A: 週末、何か___がありますか？ B: いいえ、特にありません。
A: Do you have any plans for the weekend? B: No, not particularly.
Q2
私は将来、自分の会社を作る___です。
I intend to start my own company in the future.
Q3
来月から新しいプロジェクトの___が始まります。
The plan for the new project starts next month.
Q4
そんな___はなかったんです。誤解です。
I didn't have that intention. It's a misunderstanding.
Q5
飛行機は午後2時に到着する___です。
The plane is scheduled to arrive at 2 PM.
Q6
旅行の___を立てています。
I'm making travel plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Use つもりだった to express 'I was planning to / I intended to (but didn't).' Example: 早く帰るつもりだったけど、残業になった (I intended to go home early, but I had to work overtime).
予定 is about scheduled events (meetings, flights, plans). 約束 is about commitments made to another person. 約束 implies obligation to someone, while 予定 is just schedule.
～ようと思う is softer and more tentative than つもり. Use it when you're still deciding or want to sound less committed. つもり shows firmer intention. Example: 転職しようと思っています (I'm thinking of changing jobs) vs 転職するつもりです (I intend to change jobs).
Not exclusively, but 計画 does carry a formal, serious tone. You can say 旅行の計画 (travel plans) casually, but it implies you're putting real thought into itinerary, budget, etc. For casual 'plans,' 予定 or つもり are more natural.
Summary
Use つもり when...
Expresses personal intention or resolve. Subjective - what YOU want to do. Can change easily.
Use 予定 when...
Expresses scheduled events or fixed plans. More objective and concrete than つもり.
Pro Tip: The best way to master the difference is through reading and listening practice. Pay attention to how native speakers use these grammar points in context.
