～と思います

「～と思います」 is used in Japanese to express a personal opinion or belief. It translates to 'I think that...' in English and is used to soften statements, making them sound less assertive. This phrase indicates that the speaker's statement is not an absolute fact but rather a perspective based on their thoughts.

It is commonly used in both casual and formal situations. When speaking, this expression can help to engage the listener by presenting a viewpoint while leaving room for discussion or debate. Note, however, that it is polite to use it, particularly in formal situations.

In casual conversation, you might drop the 'お' (o) in 'と思います' and say just 'と思う.' However, for N5 learners, it's best to stick with the full form to ensure politeness.