hanamaru
Share what you think or believe
〜と思う states what the speaker thinks or believes.
JLPTN5
... と思う~ to omou
I think that ~
Put a plain-form clause before と思う to mark it as your own thought or opinion, like 'I think that ...'. The quoting particle, pronounced to, links the idea to 思う ('to think'). Because it frames the statement as a personal view, it softens a claim and makes it less direct.
Tips and Common Traps
Hana· Key point
Use と思います when you want to share a personal opinion without sounding too forceful — it's perfect for saying what you feel about food, a plan, or an idea.
Maru· Common trap
The word before と must be in plain form, even in a polite sentence: たかいと思います (I think it's expensive) — not たかいですと思います.