Translation guide
The act of thinking again about a decision, opinion, or plan, often with the possibility of changing it. In Japanese, this is expressed through verbs and nouns that convey rethinking, re-examining, or changing one's mind.
To express that someone is thinking again about a previous decision or opinion, possibly leading to a change.
The most direct noun for 'reconsideration'. Often used in formal contexts like business or official decisions. Can be used with する to mean 'to reconsider'.
その件については再考の余地がある。
There is room for reconsideration on that matter.
計画を再考する必要がある。
We need to reconsider the plan.
A common verb meaning 'to rethink' or 'to reconsider'. Used in everyday conversation and writing. Implies going back over one's thoughts.
もう一度考え直してみます。
I'll try reconsidering it once more.
彼は自分の意見を考え直した。
He reconsidered his opinion.
Means 're-examination' or 'review'. Often used in formal or business settings when a plan or proposal is being reconsidered with scrutiny.
提案の再検討をお願いします。
Please reconsider the proposal.
Similar to 考え直す but with a nuance of changing one's mind or feelings. Often used when someone decides against a previous intention.
彼は留学を思い直した。
He reconsidered studying abroad (and decided against it).
Literally 'to look again', but can mean 'to reconsider' or 'to review' in the sense of re-evaluating something. Often used for policies, systems, or one's own life.
政府はその政策を見直すべきだ。
The government should reconsider that policy.
To request that another person think again about a decision or action, often politely.
A polite request meaning 'Please reconsider'. Uses the honorific prefix ご with 再考.
この決定についてご再考ください。
Please reconsider this decision.
A polite way to ask 'Could you please reconsider?'. Uses the humble form いただけませんか.
もう一度考え直していただけませんか。
Could you please reconsider once more?
To express that after reconsidering, someone has changed their mind or decision.
Means 'to change one's mind'. Often used when someone reconsiders and decides differently.
彼は気が変わって、行くことにした。
He changed his mind and decided to go.
A formal term meaning 'to change one's mind' or 'to reconsider and reverse a decision'. Used in legal or official contexts.
彼は翻意して、辞任を撤回した。
He reconsidered and withdrew his resignation.
再考 is a noun often used in formal contexts, while 考え直す is a verb suitable for everyday use. Use 再考する for formal 'to reconsider', and 考え直す for casual or neutral situations.
再考の結果、計画は中止になった。
As a result of reconsideration, the plan was canceled.
やっぱり考え直して、大学に行くことにした。
I reconsidered after all and decided to go to university.
The English noun 'reconsideration' is often better expressed as a verb phrase in Japanese. Using the noun 再考 can sound stiff in casual conversation. Instead, use 考え直す or もう一度考える.
それについてもう一度考えてみるよ。
I'll think about it again (reconsider it).
それについてもう一度考えてみるよ。
I'll think about it again (reconsider it).