Translation guide
The English word 'will' is a modal verb used to express future actions, intentions, promises, and predictions. Japanese does not have a direct equivalent; instead, it uses verb forms, auxiliary verbs, and context to convey similar meanings. This guide covers the most common ways to express 'will' in Japanese, organized by function.
Expressing that something will happen in the future, without strong intention or volition.
The most common way to express a neutral future prediction. だろう is plain, でしょう is polite.
明日は雨が降るでしょう。
It will rain tomorrow.
彼は来年日本に行くだろう。
He will go to Japan next year.
Literally 'I think that...', often used to soften a prediction about the future.
明日は晴れると思います。
I think it will be sunny tomorrow.
Used when the future event is scheduled or planned.
会議は3時に始まる予定です。
The meeting will start at 3 o'clock.
Expressing one's own will or intention to do something.
The standard way to say 'I will...' or 'I intend to...'. The volitional form is created by changing the verb ending: 〜う/よう.
明日早く起きようと思います。
I will get up early tomorrow.
来年日本に行こうと思う。
I think I will go to Japan next year.
Expresses a firm intention or plan. Stronger than 〜と思う.
明日からダイエットをするつもりです。
I will go on a diet from tomorrow.
The volitional form alone can express 'let's...' or a spontaneous decision, but is less common for 'I will' without と思う.
手伝おう。
I'll help.
Making a promise or expressing strong determination.
Using 必ず (definitely) with the dictionary form conveys a strong promise or determination.
必ず成功します。
I will definitely succeed.
Literally 'I swear that...', used for solemn promises.
もう嘘はつかないと誓います。
I swear I will not lie anymore.
Offering to do something or deciding on the spot.
The volitional form plus か is a common way to offer to do something, like 'Shall I...?'.
窓を開けようか。
Shall I open the window?
Polite offer: 'Shall I...?'.
お手伝いしましょうか。
Shall I help you?
Describing a habitual or characteristic behavior, often with 'will' in English.
Used to express a general tendency or characteristic behavior.
彼はよく公園を散歩するものだ。
He will often take a walk in the park.
Means 'there are times when...', used for occasional habits.
彼は時々遅刻することがある。
He will sometimes be late.
Expressing that something will not happen or someone refuses to do something.
Means 'there is no need to...' or 'it will not happen that...'.
心配することはない。
You will not need to worry.
Used when someone refuses to do something for you.
彼は教えてくれない。
He won't tell me.
The polite form 〜ます does not inherently express future tense. It can be present or future depending on context. To clearly indicate future, use patterns like 〜でしょう or 〜つもりだ.
〜つもり indicates a firmer plan or intention, while 〜と思う is softer and more like 'I think I will...'. Use 〜つもり for definite plans and 〜と思う for tentative intentions.