How do you use "On Second Thought" in a sentence?

I'll have the salad. On second thought, make that the burger. On second thought, maybe we should wait. Yes, I'll come. Actually, on second thought, I can't. On second thought, that's not such a good idea.

On Second Thought

Q: What does "On Second Thought" mean?

After reconsidering; changing my mind Introduces a change of mind or revised opinion after initial consideration. Signals that you're revising your previous statement.

Slang Term BritishAmericanAustralian ★★★★★ Very Common Neutral

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Meaning: After reconsidering; changing my mind

转念一想；我改变主意了

Pensándolo bien; cambio de opinión

考え直したら；やっぱり

다시 생각해 보니; 역시

Introduces a change of mind or revised opinion after initial consideration. Signals that you're revising your previous statement.

用于引入改变想法或经过初步考虑后修改的意见。表示你正在修正之前的陈述。

Introduce un cambio de opinión o una opinión revisada después de la consideración inicial. Señala que estás revisando tu declaración anterior.

最初に考えた後で、心変わりや修正された意見を導入する。前の発言を修正していることを示す。

처음 생각한 후 마음을 바꾸거나 의견을 수정할 때 사용하는 표현. 이전 발언을 번복하고 있음을 알린다.

Examples

I'll have the salad. On second thought, make that the burger.
我要沙拉。转念一想，还是要汉堡吧。
Tomaré la ensalada. Pensándolo bien, mejor la hamburguesa.
サラダにします。いや、やっぱりバーガーで。
샐러드로 할게요. 아, 역시 버거로 주세요.
On second thought, maybe we should wait.
转念一想，也许我们应该等等。
Pensándolo bien, quizás deberíamos esperar.
やっぱり、待った方がいいかも。
다시 생각해 보니, 기다리는 게 나을 것 같아.
Yes, I'll come. Actually, on second thought, I can't.
好，我去。不对，转念一想，我去不了。
Sí, voy. Bueno, pensándolo bien, no puedo.
うん、行くよ。いや、やっぱり行けない。
응, 갈게. 아니, 역시 못 가겠어.
On second thought, that's not such a good idea.
转念一想，那个主意不太好。
Pensándolo bien, no es tan buena idea.
やっぱり、それはいい考えじゃないかも。
다시 생각해 보니, 그건 좋은 생각이 아닌 것 같아.

Pronunciation

/ɒn sekənd θɔːt/

Usage Guide

Context: changing mind, reconsideration, decisions

Tone: reconsidering

✓ Do Say

On second thought...
转念一想…
Pensándolo bien...
やっぱり…
다시 생각해 보니…
On second thought, no.
转念一想，算了。
Pensándolo bien, no.
やっぱり、やめとく。
다시 생각해 보니, 됐어.
Actually, on second thought...
其实，转念一想…
Bueno, pensándolo bien...
いや、やっぱり…
사실, 다시 생각해 보니…

✗ Don't Say

Generally acceptable everywhere
一般在任何场合都可接受
Generalmente aceptable en todas partes
一般的にどこでも使える
어디서나 일반적으로 통용되는 표현
Common and well understood
常用且易于理解
Común y bien entendido
一般的でよく理解される
흔하고 잘 이해되는 표현

Common Mistakes

British: 'on second thoughts' (plural)
American: 'on second thought' (singular)

Origin & History

Natural expression where the 'second thought' is the reconsidered opinion after the initial (first) thought.

Etymology: The second thought (reconsideration) after the first

First recorded: Common English expression

Cultural Context

Era: Traditional

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Pop culture: Common everyday phrase; Used in writing and speech

Regional notes: British: 'thoughts' (plural); American: 'thought' (singular). Same meaning.

Variations

On second thoughtOn second thoughtsHaving second thoughts