At a glance
～つもりで means "with the intention of" or "with the mindset of". It describes the plan or mindset someone has while doing the main action. With a た-form, it means "imagining that one had already done something".
Verb (dictionary form) + つもりで、[main action]
Verb (た-form) + つもりで、[main action]
Noun + の + つもりで、[main action]
映画を見たつもりで、そのお金を貯金した。 I saved the money, imagining I had seen the movie.
How to form it
つもりで attaches to the plain form of a verb or to a noun with の:
| Attaches to | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Verb (dictionary form) | 留学するつもりで | intending to study abroad |
| Verb (ない-form) | 休まないつもりで | intending not to take a break |
| Verb (た-form) | 買ったつもりで | imagining I had bought it |
| Noun + の | 先生のつもりで | as if I were the teacher |
The register is neutral. Politeness is shown by the verb at the end of the sentence.