Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 考える | kangaeru | [kã̠ŋɡa̠e̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 思考する | shikō suru | |
| 思索する | shisaku suru |
The word 考える is a versatile and common term for the logical process of reasoning or solving a problem. In contrast, if you want to express a personal opinion, a feeling or a spontaneous thought, you should use the verb 思う.
Which one should you use?
While 考える refers to logical reasoning, 思考する is used for the technical or academic act of cognition. For even deeper, more philosophical contemplation or meditation, the term 思索する is used. If you want to express that you thought about something without intending to do so, you can use the informal form 考えちゃう.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
考える is suitable for both formal and informal situations. For highly formal, academic or technical contexts, use 思考する. For deep, philosophical contemplation, use 思索する.
How does it change in a sentence?
The polite form of 考える is 考えます, and the past tense is 考えた.
How do you pronounce it?
kangaeru
Did you know?
- In traditional Japanese etiquette, saying 考えてみます 'I will think about it' can often be a polite way of declining a request without saying 'no' directly.
- The verb 考える might have originally meant 'to face something' or 'to face a direction'. This comes from a possible connection to the ancient word for 'to face' or 'to approach', suggesting that thinking is viewed as a way of facing an issue.
- The word 思考する is a kango word, meaning it was borrowed from Chinese, whereas 考える is a native Japanese word.
Examples in context
- なぜそう考えるの？What makes you think so?This sentence uses 考える to ask about the reasoning behind a thought.Tatoeba #8613573 by small_snow, translation #38758 by CK
- その時に考えるよ。I'll think about it then.This sentence uses 考える to state when a thought will occur.Tatoeba #9748146 by small_snow, translation #13265325 by CK
- 考える時間をください。Give me some time to think it over.This sentence uses 考える to request time for reasoning.Tatoeba #164397 by small_snow, translation #53400 by mamat
- 私はその問題を真剣に考えています。I am thinking seriously about that problem.
- 彼女は将来のことについて思案しているようです。She seems to be pondering about the future.
- 明日の予定、考えてる？Are you thinking about tomorrow's plans?
- この映画、おもしろいと思うよ。I think this movie is interesting.
- 67 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Himari are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- 陽太 Yota今日の夕食は何にするか考えるよ。Kyō no yūshoku wa nan ni suru ka kangaeru yo.I'll think about what to have for dinner today.
- 陽葵 Himariゆっくり考えてね。Yukkuri kangaete ne.Take your time thinking about it.
- 陽太 Yotaやっぱり、カレーにしようと思う。Yappari, karē ni shiyō to omou.Actually, I think I'll go with curry.
- 陽葵 Himariいい考えだね！Ii kangae da ne!That's a good idea!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “think” translations and entries 考える, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 考える, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
