1.
to think, to consider
To use the mind to process information, reflect on something, or come up with ideas. More deliberate than 思う which is more about feeling or believing.
よく考えます。
I'll think carefully.
TRANSITIVITY: 他動詞 (transitive). No pair verb. Pattern: Xを考える (think about/consider X).
ASPECT: ている indicates ongoing thought. 考えている = 'is thinking about' or 'is considering.'
COMMON PATTERNS:
- よく考える (think carefully)
- 考えさせてください (let me think)
- 何を考えている (what are you thinking about)
- 考え (noun: idea, thought)
Compare: 思う is for opinions/feelings; 考える is for deliberate thinking/reasoning.
Related Words
See also:
思う