You use this to say what you think. It shows your own ideas or guesses.
Verb [dictionary form] + と思うPrimary
い-Adjective + と思う
な-Adjective + だ + と思う
Noun + だ + と思う
You use this to say what you think. It shows your own ideas or guesses.
彼が犯人だと思う証拠はまだない。
There is still no evidence to suggest that he is the culprit.
明日は晴れると思います。
I think it will be sunny tomorrow.
彼はパーティーに来ると思ったけど、来なかった。
I thought he would come to the party, but he didn't.
この問題はそんなに難しくないと思うよ。
I don't think this problem is that difficult.
この計画は実行可能だと思いますが、いくつかの課題が残っています。
I think this plan is feasible, but several challenges remain.
This phrase makes your words softer. It shows you are sharing your thoughts, not a hard fact. It's like adding 'I think' in English. This helps you sound more polite.
This is different from '〜って'. That is a casual way to say what you think. It is also different from '〜と言う'. You use '〜と言う' to say what someone else said. You also use it for common sayings. You do not use it for your own thoughts.
Watch out: Do not use "~to omou" for things you know are true. For example, if you are Japanese, do not say "I think I am Japanese." Just say "I am Japanese." Use "~to omou" for guesses or opinions.
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