Translation guide
The English verb "think" covers a wide range of mental activities. In Japanese, different words and patterns are used depending on whether you are expressing an opinion, considering something, recalling a memory, or engaging in rational thought. This guide breaks down the main uses and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
The speaker states what they believe to be true or their personal view.
The most common way to say "I think that..." in Japanese. Attach to the plain form of a clause. The subject is usually the speaker unless specified.
彼は来ると思う。
I think he will come.
この映画は面白いと思う。
I think this movie is interesting.
Softens the statement, making it sound less assertive. Often used when offering a tentative opinion or seeking agreement.
ちょっと高いと思うけど。
I think it's a bit expensive, though.
Expresses a cautious conjecture: "I suspect that..." or "I can't help but think that..."
彼はもう知っているのではないかと思う。
I think he might already know.
The process of thinking something over, weighing options, or reflecting.
Bringing something to mind, often suddenly or with effort.
Forming a mental image or hypothesis, often about hypothetical situations.
To imagine or visualize. Transitive: 〜を想像する.
彼の反応を想像してみて。
Just think of his reaction.
Having someone in mind, caring about them, or being considerate.
"To think of (someone)" in a caring or considerate way. Often implies emotional concern.
いつも君のことを考えている。
I'm always thinking of you.
Engaging in profound or abstract thought.
To contemplate or meditate on deep matters. Formal and literary.
人生の意味について思索する。
To think about the meaning of life.
思う is more emotional, spontaneous, or opinion-based ("I feel that..."), while 考える is more logical, deliberate, and analytical ("I think about..."). Use 思う for impressions and beliefs, and 考える for problem-solving and consideration.
In Japanese, constantly saying と思う can sound hesitant or weak. In many contexts, especially when stating facts or strong convictions, it's more natural to omit it. For example, instead of 「明日は雨だと思う」, simply say 「明日は雨だ」 if you are sure.
いいアイデアだと思います。
I think it's a good idea.
話す前によく考えなさい。
Think before you speak.
何も思い浮かばない。
I can't think of anything.
The general verb for "to think" in the sense of using one's mind, considering, or pondering. Transitive: 〜を考える.
将来のことを真剣に考えている。
I'm thinking seriously about the future.
もう少し考えさせてください。
Please let me think a little more.
"To try thinking about something" or "to give it some thought." Implies an attempt to consider.
その案について考えてみます。
I'll think about that proposal.
To ponder or deliberate, often with a nuance of worrying. More formal/literary.
彼はしばらく思案していた。
He was thinking for a while.
To recall or remember something. Transitive: 〜を思い出す.
彼の名前が思い出せない。
I can't think of his name.
あの日のことをよく思い出す。
I often think back to that day.
"To come to mind" or "to pop into one's head." Intransitive; the thing remembered is the subject.
いいアイデアが頭に浮かんだ。
A good idea came to mind.
To realize or hit upon something after thinking; "to have an inkling" or "to recall something relevant."
心当たりは何も思い当たらない。
I can't think of anything that might be the cause.
Used to set up a hypothetical scenario: "If we suppose that..." or "Assuming that..."
もし彼が来ないとしたら、どうしよう？
What should we do if he doesn't come, do you think?
I decided thinking of my family.
To be considerate or sympathetic toward someone; to think of others' feelings.
彼はいつも他人を思いやっている。
He always thinks of others.
To be lost in deep thought, silently pondering. Very formal and literary.
彼は沈思黙考して答えを出した。
He thought deeply and came up with an answer.
It will rain tomorrow. (confident statement)
明日は雨だ。
It will rain tomorrow. (confident statement)