Translation guide
To have a plan or purpose in mind. In Japanese, intention is often expressed through verb forms, specific constructions, or set phrases rather than a single direct translation.
行くつもりです。
I intend to go.
どうするつもりですか？
What do you intend to do?
Expressing a future action you have decided to do
The most common way to say you intend to do something. Used for personal plans. The negative is Vないつもりだ.
明日、映画を見に行くつもりです。
I intend to go see a movie tomorrow.
彼は来ないつもりだ。
He doesn't intend to come.
Softer than つもり, expresses what you are thinking of doing. Often used for less definite intentions.
来年、日本に行こうと思います。
I intend to go to Japan next year. (I'm thinking of going)
Used for scheduled plans, often more concrete than つもり.
来月、大阪に出張する予定です。
I intend to go on a business trip to Osaka next month.
Emphasizes a decision you've made. 'I've decided to...'
毎日運動することにした。
I intend to exercise every day. (I've decided to)
Something is designed or meant for a particular use
Indicates something is intended for a specific purpose or group. Attach to nouns.
これは子供用の椅子です。
This chair is intended for children.
非常用の食料
food intended for emergencies
Literally 'N for the purpose of V-ing'. Expresses intended use.
これは日本語を勉強するための本です。
This is a book intended for studying Japanese.
Clarifying what you meant by a statement
Use when explaining what you intended to convey.
冗談のつもりで言ったんですが、怒らせてしまいました。
I intended it as a joke, but I made him angry.
Pattern for 'I said it intending it as ~'.
褒めたつもりだったけど、誤解された。
I intended it as a compliment, but it was misunderstood.
Expecting or wanting another person to act
Expresses that you want someone to do something. Often implies intention that they should do it.
彼にこの仕事をやってほしい。
I intend for him to do this job. (I want him to do it)
Literally 'I want to make someone do'. Stronger nuance of intention.
子供に英語を勉強させたい。
I intend to have my child study English.
The English verb 'intend' does not have a single direct Japanese equivalent. Using 意図する (いとする) is possible but sounds formal and stiff in everyday speech. Stick to the patterns above for natural Japanese.
つもり expresses personal intention, while 予定 implies a scheduled plan often involving others or external arrangements. 予定 sounds more concrete and less subjective.