N199/186

ものと思っていた

Vた + ものと思っていたNの + ものと思っていた

Meanings

  • Was under the impression that
  • I used to think that
  • I believed that (in the past)

About this pattern

Explanation

This expression is used when talking about a belief or assumption you held in the past about a situation or outcome, which did not turn out as you expected. It emphasizes that your prior conviction or expectation has changed since then. It often appears in storytelling or reflections about past events, where the speaker contrasts past assumptions with what actually happened. Note that the speaker’s current stance may be different, and the nuance can carry a sense of surprise or realization.

Learn in context

Example sentences

彼は私が手伝ってくれるものと思っていた。

He thought I would help him.

子供の頃、世界は平和なものだと思っていた。

When I was a child, I thought the world was peaceful.

あの店はいつも混んでいるものだと思っていた。

I used to think that shop was always crowded.