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〜ようと思う

be thinking of doing, plan to

Volitional form + と思う / と思っている

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Volitional + と思う says what you're thinking of doing: 夏休みに日本へ行こうと思います, "I'm thinking of going to Japan in the summer holidays". Literally "I think 'let's go'".

と思っています suggests a plan you've had for a while: 来年から一人で住もうと思っています.

Compare its neighbours:

  • 行くと思う: "I think (someone) will go", a prediction, not a plan
  • 行こうと思う: "I'm thinking of going", an intention still taking shape
  • 行くつもりだ: "I intend to go", a firmer decision

It's the natural, slightly modest way to talk about your own plans.

Examples

  • 夏休なつやすみに日本にほんへ行いこうと思おもいます。

    I'm thinking of going to Japan in the summer holidays.

  • 来年らいねんから一人ひとりで住すもうと思おもっています。

    I'm planning to live on my own from next year.

  • 今日きょうは早はやく寝ねようと思おもう。

    I think I'll go to bed early today.

  • 新あたらしいパソコンを買かおうと思おもっています。

    I've been thinking of buying a new computer.

  • 週末しゅうまつは部屋へやを掃除そうじしようと思おもいます。

    I'm going to clean my room at the weekend.

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