# つもりで: with the intention of; as if

> Learn how to use つもりで, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning with the intention of; as if, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

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

**つもりで** means **with the intention of; as if**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **do something with a certain intention or imagined role**.

This grammar point often appears in **neutral** Japanese. If you want to **do something with a certain intention or imagined role**, **つもりで** is a useful pattern to learn.

## What does つもりで mean?

Use **つもりで** when you want to **do something with a certain intention or imagined role**.

Natural translations include:
- with the intention of; as if
- with the intention of
- with the intention of / as if

## How to form つもりで

Verb dictionary / た-form / Nounの + つもりで

Examples of the pattern:
- 練習するつもりで
- 旅行したつもりで
- 先生のつもりで

## When is つもりで used?

Use **つもりで** 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

## つもりで example sentences

- 試験を受けるつもりで、練習問題を解いた。 — I solved practice questions as if taking the exam.
- 旅行したつもりで、お金を貯金した。 — I saved money as if I had traveled.
- 先生になったつもりで、友達に説明した。 — I explained to my friend as if I were the teacher.
- 本番のつもりで練習してください。 — Please practice as if it were the real performance.
- プレゼントのつもりで買いました。 — I bought it with the intention of giving it as a present.

## Nuance of つもりで

The key nuance is **a natural way to express “with the intention of; as if” with the right context and tone**.

This matters because **つもりで** 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 **[ように](/blog/n3-you-ni/)**, it has a different focus and level of formality.

## つもりで vs ように

Both **つもりで** and **[ように](/blog/n3-you-ni/)** can appear in related situations, but they are different.

**つもりで**:
- means **with the intention of; as if**
- fits the specific N3 pattern and nuance explained above

**[ように](/blog/n3-you-ni/)**:
- ように can mean like/as if; つもりで emphasizes the speaker’s intention or imagined mindset

Quick contrast examples:
- Target: 試験を受けるつもりで、練習問題を解いた。 — I solved practice questions as if taking the exam.
- Compare: Try replacing it with **[ように](/blog/n3-you-ni/)** and check whether the nuance still matches.

## Common mistakes with つもりで

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using **つもりで** with the wrong form
- Confusing **つもりで** with **[ように](/blog/n3-you-ni/)**
- Translating it too literally instead of reading the whole sentence

## Is つもりで on the JLPT?

Yes. **つもりで** 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 つもりで

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one sentence using **つもりで**.
- Contrast **つもりで** with **[ように](/blog/n3-you-ni/)**.
- Make a JLPT-style sentence where the context makes the meaning clear.

## Learning path for つもりで

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

1. First, make sure you can form **つもりで** without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with [ように](/blog/n3-you-ni/), [ようとする](/blog/n3-you-to-suru/). 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 **つもりで** with [ようとしない](/blog/n3-you-to-shinai/) changes the meaning.

## Related grammar to review next

- [ように](/blog/n3-you-ni/) — because it is the closest comparison used in this article.
- [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.
- [つもりだった](/blog/n3-tsumori-datta/) — because it helps contrast intention, attempt, and refusal to act.

## Learn つもりで with Hane

If you want to review **つもりで** 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/)