# つもりだった: intended to; thought that I had

> Learn how to use つもりだった, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning intended to; thought that I had, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N3 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n3-tsumori-datta/

**つもりだった** means **intended to; thought that I had**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **say what someone intended or believed, often different from reality**.

This grammar point often appears in **neutral** Japanese. If you want to **say what someone intended or believed, often different from reality**, **つもりだった** is a useful pattern to learn.

## What does つもりだった mean?

Use **つもりだった** when you want to **say what someone intended or believed, often different from reality**.

Natural translations include:
- intended to; thought that I had
- intended to
- intended to / thought that I had

## How to form つもりだった

Verb dictionary / ない-form / Nounの + つもりだった

Examples of the pattern:
- 行くつもりだった
- 言ったつもりだった
- 学生のつもりだった

## When is つもりだった used?

Use **つもりだった** in situations like:
- explaining grammar in context
- answering JLPT reading questions
- making natural Japanese sentences

Tone and register:
- neutral
- Common in JLPT reading, grammar questions, and natural Japanese sentences

## つもりだった example sentences

- 昨日連絡するつもりだったが、忘れてしまった。 — I intended to contact you yesterday, but I forgot.
- 早く寝るつもりだったのに、遅くなった。 — I intended to sleep early, but it got late.
- 説明したつもりだったが、伝わっていなかった。 — I thought I had explained it, but it had not gotten across.
- 冗談のつもりだったが、彼を怒らせてしまった。 — I meant it as a joke, but I made him angry.
- 貯金するつもりだったのに、全部使ってしまった。 — I intended to save money, but I spent it all.

## Nuance of つもりだった

The key nuance is **a natural way to express “intended to; thought that I had” with the right context and tone**.

This matters because **つもりだった** does more than match a single English phrase. It shows how the speaker frames the condition, timing, example, role, intention, or contrast in the sentence.

For example:
- In context, it sounds natural when the surrounding sentence supports the nuance.
- Compared with **予定だった**, it has a different focus and level of formality.

## つもりだった vs 予定だった

Both **つもりだった** and **予定だった** can appear in related situations, but they are different.

**つもりだった**:
- means **intended to; thought that I had**
- fits the specific N3 pattern and nuance explained above

**予定だった**:
- 予定だった means was scheduled; つもりだった focuses on personal intention or belief

Quick contrast examples:
- Target: 昨日連絡するつもりだったが、忘れてしまった。 — I intended to contact you yesterday, but I forgot.
- Compare: Try replacing it with **予定だった** and check whether the nuance still matches.

## Common mistakes with つもりだった

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using **つもりだった** with the wrong form
- Confusing **つもりだった** with **予定だった**
- Translating it too literally instead of reading the whole sentence

## Is つもりだった on the JLPT?

Yes. **つもりだった** is commonly taught as **JLPT N3** grammar.

That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences

## Practice questions for つもりだった

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one sentence using **つもりだった**.
- Contrast **つもりだった** with **予定だった**.
- Make a JLPT-style sentence where the context makes the meaning clear.

## Learning path for つもりだった

To learn **つもりだった** efficiently, review volitional forms first, then contrast intention, attempt, refusal, and plans that changed.

1. First, make sure you can form **つもりだった** without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with [ようとする](/blog/n3-you-to-suru/), [ようとしない](/blog/n3-you-to-shinai/). These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance.
3. Finally, write sentences about trying, being about to do something, or deciding not to act; then check whether replacing **つもりだった** with [つもりで](/blog/n3-tsumori-de/) changes the meaning.

## Related grammar to review next

- [ようとする](/blog/n3-you-to-suru/) — because it helps contrast intention, attempt, and refusal to act.
- [ようとしない](/blog/n3-you-to-shinai/) — because it helps contrast intention, attempt, and refusal to act.
- [つもりで](/blog/n3-tsumori-de/) — because it helps contrast intention, attempt, and refusal to act.
- [つもり](/blog/n5-tsumori/) — because it helps contrast intention, attempt, and refusal to act.

## Learn つもりだった with Hane

If you want to review **つもりだった** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:
- [All grammar lessons](/blog/)
- [JLPT N3 grammar lessons](/blog/n3/)