考え

• Reading: かんがえ
• Romaji: kangae
• Kanji breakdown: 考 (kou/kanga) — to think, to consider
• Pronunciation: /ka.n.ɡa.e/

Meaning

Thinking; thought; idea; opinion. A person's mental conclusion or viewpoint on a matter.

The noun form of the verb 考える (to think). Used to express someone's ideas, opinions, or way of thinking. Common patterns include 考えがある (to have an idea), 考えが変わる (to change one's mind), and 考えが甘い (thinking is naive). More personal and subjective than 意見 (opinion).

Examples

1. あなたの考えを聞かせてください。 Please share your thoughts with me.
2. 考えが甘かったと反省している。 I regret that my thinking was too naive.
3. 彼とは考えが合わないことが多い。 He and I often don't see eye to eye.

Usage Guide

Context: discussion, daily conversation, decision-making

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Derived from the verb 考える (kangaeru — to think, to consider). The kanji 考 depicts an elderly person leaning on a staff, symbolizing deep reflection born of experience.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal