思う vs 考える – What is the Difference Between Omou and Kangaeru?

There are two Japanese words for thinking. They are 思おもう and 考かんがえる. In English when you use the word think it can mean a number of things. For example that you are thinking about something or that you think something is going to happen. In Japanese, though these concepts are treated separately. Let’s take a look

https://japaneseuniverse.com/2024/02/18/pac-man-in-japaneseconcepts-behind-development-to-global-icon/

The Meaning of 思う

思う means to have an opinion, belief, or thought about something. So for example if I was waiting for mom to come home I could say:

お母かあさんはもう帰かえってきたと思うよ
I think that mom came back home
We can also use 思う to express opinions about things:

この本ほんは高たかすぎると思う
I think this book is too expensive

You can even use 思う to express intentions:

もう出でかけようと思っている
I am thinking I will go out already

The Meaning of 考える

考える is a verb expressing the concept of considering, pondering, imagining or doing some active cognitive activity.

新あたらしい料理りょうりを考えている
I am thinking of a new recipe
You may also use it when you want to talk about trying to make a decision or considering something.

昨日きのうの夢ゆめについて考えている
I am thinking about my dream from last night

Resources

• 考える – Weblio
• 思う – Weblio
• 天職 vs 適職