Japanese word

考える

Pronunciation

Romajikangaeru

Meaning

  • verbthink

Example

答えを考えます。kota e o kanga e ma su

I will think of an answer.

Illustration for 考える (think)

More examples

明日の予定を考えます。asu no yo tei o kanga e ma su

I think about tomorrow's plans.

旅行の計画を考えています。ryo kō no kei kaku o kanga e te i ma su

I am thinking about a travel plan.

Core concept

Describes using the mind to examine something until an understanding, answer, or decision takes shape.

Common phrases

  • よく考えるyo ku kanga e ru

    think carefully

  • 答えを考えるkota e o kanga e ru

    think of an answer

  • 将来を考えるshō rai o kanga e ru

    think about the future

Similar words

思うomou: To hold a personal idea, feeling, or belief about something.
検討するkentōsuru: To consider several possibilities before choosing what to do.

Definition in Japanese

知識や情報をもとに、物事の意味や答えを判断しようとする。chi shiki ya jō hō o mo to ni mono goto no i mi ya kota e o han dan shi yō to su ru

Word origin

考える (kangaeru) is a native Japanese verb related to 考ふ (kangafu), an older form with the same basic sense of using thought to examine a matter.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 考える (kangaeru) can describe planning as well as examining an issue, linking thought with a possible future action.

Other meanings

  • considerverb

Related words

Word lists with this word