Translation guide
The English word 'thinking' covers a range of mental activities, from casual opinions to deep reflection. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 考える (kangaeru), but the best choice depends on whether you are expressing an opinion, pondering something, or describing a thought process. This guide breaks down the main uses and provides natural Japanese expressions for each.
Use when you want to say what you think about something, give your view, or state a belief.
The most common and natural way to say 'I think' in Japanese. It expresses a personal opinion, feeling, or belief. Often used with the plain form of verbs/adjectives + と思う.
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.
Can also mean 'I think' but implies more deliberate consideration or reasoning. It is less immediate than 思う and often used when you have thought something through.
The standard pattern for 'I think that...'. Attach to the plain form of the preceding clause. For nouns and na-adjectives, use だと思う.
明日は雨だと思う。
I think it will rain tomorrow.
Use when you are thinking about something, mulling it over, or trying to decide.
Use when 'thinking' means recalling, having in mind, or imagining someone/something.
Use when 'thinking' is a noun referring to the process or way of thinking.
Use when 'thinking' means considering or planning to do something.
Expresses 'I think I will...' or 'I'm thinking of doing...'. Attach to the volitional form of the verb.
来年日本に行こうと思う。
I'm thinking of going to Japan next year.
思う (omou) is for spontaneous thoughts, feelings, and opinions. 考える (kangaeru) is for deliberate, logical thinking. When in doubt, 思う is safer for 'I think' in conversation.
彼は正しいと思う。
I think he is right. (gut feeling)
彼が正しいかどうか考える。
I'll think about whether he is right. (analyze)
English often uses 'I'm thinking...' to soften statements, but Japanese prefers more direct expressions or different softeners. For example, instead of 'I'm thinking it might be difficult', say 難しいかもしれません (It might be difficult).
それは良い考えだと思う。
I think that's a good idea. (casual opinion)
よく考えた結果、そう思います。
After thinking carefully, I think so.
The primary verb for 'to think' in the sense of using your mind to consider, analyze, or plan. It implies an active thought process.
将来のことを考えている。
I'm thinking about the future.
もう少し考えさせてください。
Please let me think a little more.
A more formal or literary word for pondering or deliberating. Not common in everyday speech.
彼はしばらく思案していた。
He was thinking for a while.
Literally 'think in one's head', used to emphasize internal deliberation.
頭の中で考えてから話してください。
Please think it through in your head before speaking.
Means 'to remember' or 'to recall'. Use when thinking of a past event or person.
彼女のことをよく思い出す。
I often think of her.
Means 'to imagine'. Use when thinking of something that isn't real or hasn't happened.
未来のことを想像してみて。
Try thinking about the future.
A very common pattern meaning 'to think about (someone/something)'. The のこと adds a nuance of concerning oneself with that person or thing.
家族のことを考えている。
I'm thinking about my family.
The noun form of 考える, meaning 'thought', 'idea', or 'way of thinking'.
A more formal or technical term for 'thought' or 'thinking' as a cognitive process.
論理的思考が大切だ。
Logical thinking is important.
Deep thinking, contemplation, or speculation. Often used in philosophical contexts.
彼は深い思索にふけった。
He was lost in deep thought.
Means 'intend to' or 'plan to'. Stronger intention than ～ようと思う.
明日早く起きるつもりだ。
I'm thinking of getting up early tomorrow. (I intend to)
Used when thinking about whether or not to do something.
参加するかどうか考えている。
I'm thinking about whether to participate or not.