考えてみる
try thinking
Wörtlich: kangaete (thinking) + miru (to see/try)
Use this to politely delay a decision or soften a potential 'no' while showing respect.
In 15 Sekunden
- A polite way to say 'I'll think about it.'
- Uses the 'try doing' (~te miru) grammar structure.
- Often functions as a gentle, non-committal response.
Bedeutung
This phrase is like saying 'I'll give it some thought' or 'let me think about it.' It shows you are open to an idea but need a moment to process it before deciding.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6A friend invites you to a party you aren't sure about.
楽しそう！ちょっと考えてみるね。
Sounds fun! I'll try thinking about it.
A shop assistant offers a very expensive watch.
いいですね。一度考えてみます。
It's nice. I'll think about it for a bit.
Texting a friend about which movie to watch.
どの映画がいいか考えてみる！
I'll try thinking about which movie would be good!
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Japan, direct refusal is often avoided to maintain social harmony. 'Kangaete miru' serves as a 'soft no' or a polite way to delay a decision without offending the requester. It reflects the cultural value of 'enryo' (restraint) and 'kuuki wo yomu' (reading the air).
The 'Soft No' Secret
If someone says 'kangaete mimasu' and never brings it up again, they probably meant 'no.' It's a polite way to let an idea die naturally.
Pair it with 'Chotto'
Adding 'chotto' (a little) before the phrase makes it sound much more natural and less blunt.
In 15 Sekunden
- A polite way to say 'I'll think about it.'
- Uses the 'try doing' (~te miru) grammar structure.
- Often functions as a gentle, non-committal response.
What It Means
考えてみる is your best friend when you need a little breathing room. It combines the verb kangaeru (to think) with the auxiliary verb miru (to try). Together, they create a soft, non-committal way to say you'll consider something. It’s not a firm 'yes,' but it’s definitely not a 'no' either. It signals that you are actively engaging with an idea. You aren't just thinking; you are 'trying out' the thought in your head. It sounds much warmer than just saying 'I will think.'
How To Use It
Using this phrase is incredibly simple. You just take the te-form of the verb kangaeru and add miru. If you are talking to friends, keep it as kangaete miru. If you are talking to a teacher or a boss, use the polite version kangaete mimasu. You can also add ne at the end to sound even friendlier. It’s like adding a little musical note to your sentence. For example, chotto kangaete miru ne sounds very natural and kind.
When To Use It
This phrase is a lifesaver in daily Japanese life. Imagine you are at a clothing store. The clerk is being very helpful, but the shirt is expensive. You can say ichido kangaete mimasu to exit gracefully. It’s also perfect for invitations. If a friend asks you to go hiking on Saturday, but you might be tired, use this! It buys you time to check your energy levels. You’ll also hear it in meetings. It shows you are taking a colleague's suggestion seriously. It’s the ultimate social lubricant for indecisive moments.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for things that require an immediate, factual answer. If someone asks 'Is your name Tanaka?', saying kangaete miru would be very strange. It makes you sound like you’ve forgotten who you are! Also, avoid using it if you have absolutely no intention of thinking about it. While it can be a polite 'no,' using it too often for things you definitely won't do can seem a bit insincere. If the answer is a hard 'no' and honesty is better, be careful.
Cultural Background
In Japanese culture, harmony (wa) is everything. Saying a direct 'no' can feel like a slap in the face. 考えてみる acts as a soft cushion. It allows the other person to save face. Even if both people know the answer might eventually be 'no,' the process of 'trying to think' shows respect. It’s a way of saying, 'Your idea is worth my mental energy.' This phrase became a staple because it balances honesty with social grace. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a polite bow.
Common Variations
You will see this phrase change shapes often. kangaete miyou means 'let's try thinking about it.' This is great for brainstorming with a partner. kangaete mita? is the question form: 'did you try thinking about it?' If you want to sound very casual or a bit cute, you might hear kangaete miru wa. In professional settings, you might hear the much fancier kentou itashimasu. But for 90% of your life, the standard kangaete miru or kangaete mimasu will be your perfect tools.
Nutzungshinweise
The phrase is neutral but leans casual. Always upgrade to 'kangaete mimasu' in professional settings or with people you don't know well.
The 'Soft No' Secret
If someone says 'kangaete mimasu' and never brings it up again, they probably meant 'no.' It's a polite way to let an idea die naturally.
Pair it with 'Chotto'
Adding 'chotto' (a little) before the phrase makes it sound much more natural and less blunt.
Don't overthink it!
Using this for very simple questions (like 'Are you hungry?') makes you sound confused or overly dramatic.
Beispiele
6楽しそう！ちょっと考えてみるね。
Sounds fun! I'll try thinking about it.
Adding 'ne' makes it sound friendly and casual.
いいですね。一度考えてみます。
It's nice. I'll think about it for a bit.
A classic way to leave a shop without buying anything.
どの映画がいいか考えてみる！
I'll try thinking about which movie would be good!
Shows you are taking the initiative to help choose.
猫がどうやってドアを開けるか考えてるみたい。
It looks like the cat is trying to think how to open the door.
Using the phrase to describe someone (or something) else's process.
二人の将来のために、真剣に考えてみるよ。
I will try thinking seriously about it for our future.
Adding 'shinken ni' (seriously) adds weight and sincerity.
そのアイデア、チームで考えてみます。
We will try thinking about that idea as a team.
Professional and collaborative tone.
Teste dich selbst
Make the phrase polite for a business context.
新しいプランについて、___。
Adding '~masu' makes the phrase polite and suitable for work or talking to strangers.
Suggest thinking about something together with a friend.
一緒に___？
'~te minai?' is the casual way to say 'Why don't we try...?'
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Ways to Say 'I'll Think About It'
With close friends or family.
考えてみる (Kangaete miru)
Standard polite Japanese for daily life.
考えてみます (Kangaete mimasu)
Business or high-stakes negotiations.
検討いたします (Kentou itashimasu)
When to reach for 'Kangaete miru'
Shopping
Leaving a store gracefully
Invitations
Delaying a 'yes' or 'no'
Brainstorming
Solving a puzzle
Professional
Acknowledging a suggestion
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 Fragen'Kangaeru' is just the act of thinking. 'Kangaete miru' implies you are going to give it a try or make an effort to consider it.
It's better to use the polite form 'kangaete mimasu.' For very formal situations, use 'kentou shimasu' (I will investigate/consider).
Not always! Sometimes people really do just need to check their schedule or talk to their spouse. Context is key.
Yes! You can say 'mou ichido kangaete miru' (I'll try thinking about it one more time) when you're stuck.
You would say 'kangaete miyou' in casual speech or 'kangaete mimashou' in polite speech.
Absolutely. It's very common in LINE messages when making plans.
The '~te miru' grammar adds the nuance of 'trying something out' to see how it goes or what the result is.
Usually, no. For thinking about a person (like missing them), you'd use 'omou.' 'Kangaeru' is for logical processing.
You can say 'ato de kangaete miru' (I'll try thinking about it later).
Not exactly slang, but men might say 'kangaete miru yo' to sound more assertive/casual.
Verwandte Redewendungen
検討します
I will consider it (Formal/Business)
思い出してみる
Try to remember
考えておく
Think about it in advance/for later
悩んでみる
Try worrying/agonizing over a choice
Kommentare (0)
Zum Kommentieren AnmeldenStarte kostenlos mit dem Sprachenlernen
Kostenlos Loslegen