Translation guide
The English verb "consider" covers a range of mental actions: thinking about something carefully, regarding something in a certain way, taking something into account, or contemplating doing something. Japanese uses different verbs and patterns depending on the nuance.
To think about something carefully before making a decision or forming an opinion.
The most general verb for "think" or "consider." Used for pondering, deliberating, or weighing options.
その問題についてよく考えてください。
Please consider the problem carefully.
彼は転職を考えている。
He is considering changing jobs.
More formal than 考える. Implies examining or scrutinizing a matter, often used in business or official contexts.
その提案を検討します。
We will consider the proposal.
委員会は新しい規則を検討中です。
The committee is considering new regulations.
To consider deeply, ponder, or deliberate at length. Stronger and more literary than 考える.
彼はその申し出を熟考した。
He considered the offer carefully.
To have a particular opinion about someone or something; to think of in a specified way.
The standard pattern for "consider A (to be) B." The particle と marks the attribute or opinion.
私は彼を友人と考えています。
I consider him a friend.
彼女はその結果を失敗と考えた。
She considered the result a failure.
More formal than 〜と考える. Often used in legal, official, or judgmental contexts. Implies treating something as equivalent to something else.
その行為は犯罪と見なされます。
That act is considered a crime.
彼は専門家と見なされている。
He is considered an expert.
Often used in the pattern 〜を〜と思う to express a personal, subjective view. Less formal than 考える.
To include something in your thinking when making a decision or judgment; to not ignore.
Literally "put into consideration." The most direct equivalent for "take into account."
彼の年齢を考慮に入れるべきだ。
We should consider his age.
すべての要素を考慮に入れて決めます。
I'll decide considering all factors.
The verb form of 考慮. Slightly more formal and often used in writing.
安全性を考慮する必要がある。
We need to consider safety.
Literally "put into one's head." A casual way to say "keep in mind" or "consider."
その可能性も頭に入れておいて。
Consider that possibility too.
To think about whether to do something; to have something as a possible plan.
Pattern for "consider whether to do X." かどうか embeds the yes/no question.
留学するかどうか考えています。
I'm considering whether to study abroad.
Expresses "I'm thinking of doing X" or "I'm considering doing X." The volitional form 〜よう + か + と思う conveys tentative intention.
新しいスマホを買おうかと思っている。
I'm considering buying a new smartphone.
Formal pattern for "consider doing X." Used in business or official proposals.
システムの更新を検討しています。
We are considering updating the system.
To be thoughtful about other people's emotions or situation.
Literally "consider someone's feelings." The most natural way to express empathy or thoughtfulness.
彼女の気持ちを考えてあげて。
Consider her feelings.
To be considerate, sympathetic, or to put oneself in another's shoes. A single verb capturing considerateness.
他人を思いやることが大切です。
It's important to consider others.
To give consideration, to be mindful of, often used in formal contexts like customer service or policy.
お客様に配慮してください。
Please consider the customers.
考える implies a more deliberate, logical thought process, while 思う is more spontaneous, emotional, or opinion-based. For 'consider' in the sense of weighing options, 考える is usually better. For 'I think that...' opinions, 思う is more natural.
よく考えてから返事します。
I'll reply after considering it carefully.
それはいい考えだと思う。
I think that's a good idea.
While 考慮する means 'consider,' it is formal and often used for taking factors into account. In everyday conversation, 考える or 検討する are more common for deliberating.
私の提案を考えてみましたか？
Have you considered my proposal?
I consider that to be correct.