Translation and Meaning of: 考える - kangaeru

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you have probably come across the word 考える[かんがえる]. It is an essential verb in everyday vocabulary and frequently appears in conversations, texts, and even in animes. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in the Japanese cultural context. Furthermore, you will discover practical tips for memorizing it and understand why it is so important for anyone who wants to master the language.

考える means "to think" in English.

考える is a Japanese verb that means "to think," "to consider," or "to reflect." It is used in situations that involve reasoning, analysis, or planning. Unlike other similar verbs, such as 思う[おもう] (which has a more subjective sense of "to feel" or "to think"), 考える carries a more logical and deliberate nuance.

An interesting detail is that, although it can be translated as "to think," its usage goes beyond a loose mental act. When a Japanese person says 考えておきます ("I'll think about it"), there is often an implication that the person will actually analyze the matter carefully, not just give a superficial answer.

The origin and writing of 考える

The kanji 考える is 考, which by itself means "thought" or "consideration." This character is composed of the radical 耂 (a variation of 老, which refers to "elderly") and 丂, which suggests the idea of something deep or prolonged. Together, they convey the notion of a matured thought, like that of a more experienced person.

It is worth noting that 考える is a verb of group 2 (ichidan), which makes its conjugation easier. Its use dates back to ancient Japanese, but its modern form was consolidated during the Edo period, when the language underwent standardizations. The pronunciation "kangaeru" is also shared with related words, such as 考え[かんがえ] (idea) and 考え方[かんがえかた] (way of thinking).

How is 考える used in everyday Japanese?

In Japan, 考える is not just a verb, but part of a cultural attitude. Japanese people value careful reflection before making decisions, whether at work or in personal life. Phrases like よく考えてから答えましょう ("let's think carefully before responding") are common and reflect this mentality.

Another interesting aspect is its use in fixed expressions. For example, 考えもの[かんがえもの] can mean both "something that deserves reflection" and, in a more informal tone, "an eccentric person." This flexibility demonstrates how the verb is rooted in different communication contexts.

Tips for memorizing and using 考える

An effective way to fixate on 考える is to associate it with concrete situations. For example, imagine someone scratching their head while reflecting on a problem— a common gesture in Japan when one is "kangaete iru" (thinking). This image helps to create a strong mental link.

Another tip is to practice with useful phrases, such as もう少し考えさせてください ("please let me think a little more"). This type of construction frequently appears in real dialogues and can be especially useful for those planning to travel or work in Japan.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 考え込む (kangaekomu) - To think deeply, to be absorbed in thought.
• 思う (omou) - Think, believe, feel.
• 熟考する (jukkoosuru) - Think carefully, reflect in detail.
• 考慮する (kouryoosuru) - Consider, take into account.
• 考案する (kouansuru) - Plan, invent, or propose an idea.
• 考察する (kousatsusuru) - Investigate, observe or analyze in depth.
• 考え出す (kangaedasu) - Inventing, creating an idea or solution.
• 考え付く (kangaetsuku) - Have an idea or suggestion.
• 考える (kangaeru) - Think, reflect, or consider in a general way.

考える

Romaji: kangaeru
Kana: かんがえる
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: consider

Meaning in English: to consider

Definition: Organize information and make decisions on a particular subject or topic.

Example Sentences - (考える) kangaeru

See below some example sentences:

実用的なアイデアを考える。

Jitsuyō teki na aidea o kangaeru

Think of practical ideas.

Think of practical ideas.

• 実用的な - practical, useful
• アイデア - idea
• を - Direct object particle
• 考える - Think, consider

私は自分自身を篭って考える時間が必要です。

Watashi wa jibun jishin o komotte kangaeru jikan ga hitsuyōdesu

I need time to collect myself and think.

I need time to think and think about myself.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 自分自身 (jibun jishin) - expression meaning "oneself"
• を (wo) - direct object particle that indicates the target of the action
• 篭って (kagotte) - gerund verb meaning "to be isolated"
• 考える (kangaeru) - verb meaning "to think"
• 時間 (jikan) - noun meaning "time"
• が (ga) - subject particle that indicates who performs the action
• 必要 (hitsuyou) - adjective meaning "necessary"
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the present tense and formality

考えることが大切です。

Kangaeru koto ga taisetsu desu

Thinking is important.

It is important to think.

• 考えること - means "to think" or "reflect" in Japanese.
• が - is a grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 大切 - means "important" or "valuable" in Japanese.
• です - is a polite way of saying "ser" or "estar" in Japanese.

死刑は人権侵害だと考えられています。

Shikei wa jinken shingai da to kangaerareteimasu

The death penalty is considered a violation of human rights.

The death penalty is considered a violation of human rights.

• 死刑 - Death penalty
• は - Topic particle
• 人権 - human rights
• 侵害 - violation
• だと - expression indicating an opinion or belief
• 考えられています - is considered

利害がかかわる問題は慎重に考えなければならない。

Rigai ga kakawaru mondai wa shinchou ni kangae nakereba naranai

You must carefully consider the problem of interest.

You must carefully consider the problem of interest.

• 利害がかかわる - related to interests and benefits
• 問題 - problem
• は - Topic particle
• 慎重に - carefully
• 考えなければならない - must be thought

保守的な考え方は時に必要です。

Hoshuteki na kangaekata wa toki ni hitsuyou desu

Conservative thinking is sometimes necessary.

Conservative thinking is sometimes necessary.

• 保守的な - conservative
• 考え方 - way of thinking
• は - Topic particle
• 時に - sometimes
• 必要 - necessary
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

一旦考えてみます。

Ittan kangaete mimasu

I'll think a little about it.

Let's think once.

• 一旦 - once
• 考えて - think
• みます - I am going to try

冷静に考えて行動することが大切です。

Reisei ni kangaete koudou suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to calmly act and think before you act.

It is important to think calmly and act.

• 冷静に - Calmly
• 考えて - thinking
• 行動する - Act
• ことが - is important
• 大切です - crucial

対策を考えなければなりません。

Taisaku wo kangaenakereba narimasen

We need to think of preventive measures.

You have to consider measures.

• 対策 (taisaku) - preventive measure
• を (wo) - object particle
• 考える (kangaeru) - think
• なければなりません (nakereba narimasen) - must be done, it is necessary

私は新しい提案を考えています。

Watashi wa atarashii teian o kangaeteimasu

I'm thinking of a new proposal.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 新しい (atarashii) - 新しい (atarashii)
• 提案 (teian) - Japanese noun meaning "proposal"
• を (wo) - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the action, in this case, "proposal"
• 考えています (kangaeteimasu) - Japanese verb meaning "I'm thinking"