If you study Japanese, you have probably seen both 思(おも)う and 考(かんが)える translated as “to think.”

But they are not exactly the same.

The easiest way to understand the difference is:

思おもう = to think / feel / believe
考かんがえる = to think about / consider / analyze

Let’s look at how Japanese speakers use them.

思おもう: To Think, Feel, or Believe

思(おも)う is often used when you are expressing your opinion, feeling, impression, or belief.

It does not necessarily mean that you spent a long time thinking about something.

For example:

この映画えいがは面白おもしろいと思おもいます。

I think this movie is interesting.

日本語にほんごは難むずかしいと思おもいます。

I think Japanese is difficult.

彼かれは来こないと思おもいます。

I don’t think he will come.

In these examples, the speaker is simply expressing what they think or believe.

A very common pattern is:

Plain form + と思おもいます

For example:

明日あしたは雨あめが降ふると思おもいます。

I think it will rain tomorrow.

このレストランは高たかいと思おもいます。

I think this restaurant is expensive.

思(おも)う can also be connected to feelings.

For example:

いいアイデアだと思おもいます。

I think it’s a good idea.

かわいいと思おもいます。

I think it’s cute.

So when you want to say “I think…” and give your personal opinion, 思(おも)う is usually the natural choice.

考かんがえる: To Think About or Consider

考(かんが)える is used when you actively use your mind to consider, analyze, plan, or find an answer.

It usually involves more mental effort than 思(おも)う.

For example:

旅行りょこうの計画けいかくを考かんがえています。

I’m thinking about my travel plans.

この問題もんだいについて考かんがえてください。

Please think about this problem.

将来しょうらいについて考かんがえています。

I’m thinking about my future.

Here, the person is not simply giving an opinion. They are spending time thinking about something.

考(かんが)える is also often used when trying to make a decision.

晩ばんご飯はんに何なにを食たべるか考かんがえています。

I’m thinking about what to eat for dinner.

どうやって説明せつめいするか考かんがえます。

I’ll think about how to explain it.

思おもう vs 考かんがえる

Here is a simple comparison:

思(おも)う	考(かんが)える
think / feel / believe	think about / consider
personal opinion	active thinking
impression or belief	analysis or planning
often used with 〜と思(おも)います	often used with 〜について
usually quick or natural	often takes more time

For example:

この仕事しごとは大変たいへんだと思おもいます。

I think this job is difficult.

仕事しごとを辞やめるかどうか考かんがえています。

I’m thinking about whether I should quit my job.

The first sentence is an opinion.

The second sentence describes an active process of considering a decision.

Compare These Examples

1. 彼かれはいい人ひとだと思おもいます。

I think he is a nice person.

This is your personal opinion.

2. 彼かれの提案ていあんについて考かんがえています。

I’m thinking about his proposal.

You are actively considering the proposal.

3. 日本にほんに住すみたいと思おもっています。

I’m thinking that I want to live in Japan. / I want to live in Japan.

This expresses a desire or intention you have in your mind.

4. 日本にほんに住すむ方法ほうほうを考かんがえています。

I’m thinking about how to live in Japan.

You are considering practical details, such as work, visas, money, or location.

Can You Use Both?

Sometimes both can appear in similar situations, but the nuance changes.

For example:

旅行りょこうに行いきたいと思おもっています。

I’m thinking I’d like to go on a trip.

This describes your feeling or intention.

旅行りょこうに行いくかどうか考かんがえています。

I’m considering whether to go on a trip.

This sounds like you are actively deciding.

So remember:

思おもう = What’s my opinion or feeling?
考かんがえる = What should I do? What is the answer?

A Simple Trick to Remember

If you can replace “think” with “believe” or “feel”, use 思(おも)う.

私わたしはこれは正ただしいと思おもいます。

I believe this is correct.

If you can replace “think” with “consider”, use 考(かんが)える.

もう少すこし考かんがえます。

I’ll think about it a little more.

Common Expressions

〜と思おもいます

I think…

日本にほんは安全あんぜんだと思おもいます。

I think Japan is safe.

〜と思おもっています

I’ve been thinking… / I intend to…

来年らいねん、日本にほんへ行いこうと思おもっています。

I’m thinking of going to Japan next year.

〜について考かんがえる

Think about…

将来しょうらいについて考かんがえます。

I think about my future.

よく考かんがえる

Think carefully

よく考かんがえてから決きめてください。

Please think carefully before deciding.

Final Summary

思(おも)う and 考(かんが)える can both mean “think,” but they are used differently.

思(おも)う is mainly used for opinions, feelings, beliefs, and impressions.

考(かんが)える is used when you actively think about something, analyze it, make a plan, or consider a decision.

So:

この映画えいがは面白おもしろいと思おもいます。

“I think this movie is interesting.”

次つぎに見みる映画えいがを考かんがえています。

“I’m thinking about which movie to watch next.”

Learning this difference will make your Japanese sound much more natural!

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