5
考える

To Think About


Meaning

To Think About, To Consider, To Give Thought

Word Type

transitive verb, ichidan verb

Explanation

This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means think, so the verb version is to think about or to consider. Note that this isn't the "to think" that is like "I think that he is a power ranger." No, this is more like the actual thinking action. That's why this word is "to think about" or "to consider" rather than plain old "to think" which is 思う.


Reading

かんがえる

Explanation

If you want to think, the best way to do so is to do the conga (かんが). Imagine yourself doing the conga and thinking away. You're so inspired! The thoughts are flowing as freely as your sweet, slow dance moves.


Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 考える人

    people who think

    考えるとき

    when one thinks about something

    考えること

    thinking

  • 同じと考える

    to think the same way

    チャンスと考える

    to consider something an opportunity

    人と考える

    to think with other people

  • 人生を考える

    to think about life

    そんなことを考える

    to think about that sort of thing

    バランスを考える

    to think about balance

  • まじめに考える

    to think seriously

    いっしょに考える

    to think together

    大切に考える

    to think carefully

Context Sentences

アイディアを考える。

I think of ideas.

少し考えさせてください。

Let me think a little.

もっと自分について考えましょう。

Let's think about ourselves more.


Kanji Composition