Understanding the Meaning of “Kangaeru” (考える)
“Kangaeru” is a versatile verb in Japanese that generally means “to think” or “to consider.” It can refer to the process of pondering, reflecting, or forming ideas in your mind. In both casual and business settings, “kangaeru” is used when someone is mentally engaging with a topic, problem, or idea, often on a personal or conceptual level.
Examples of “Kangaeru” in Business Japanese
- 新しいプロジェクトについて考えています。 (Atarashii purojekuto ni tsuite kangaeteimasu.)
This means “I am thinking about the new project.” - どうすれば売上を伸ばせるか考えましょう。 (Dousureba uriage wo nobaseru ka kangaemashou.)
“Let’s think about how we can increase sales.”
In these examples, “kangaeru” conveys general thought or reflection, often without implying a systematic or formal analysis.
Understanding the Meaning of “Kentou Suru” (検討する)
“Kentou suru” is a more formal and business-oriented expression. It means “to examine,” “to consider in detail,” or “to deliberate.” It suggests a structured process of evaluating options or analyzing information, often leading to a decision or recommendation. “Kentou suru” is frequently used in meetings, official documents, and business emails to indicate careful, thorough consideration.
Examples of “Kentou Suru” in Business Japanese
- ご提案を検討させていただきます。 (Go-teian wo kentou sasete itadakimasu.)
This translates to “We will consider your proposal carefully.” - 今後の対応について検討中です。 (Kongo no taiou ni tsuite kentou-chuu desu.)
“We are currently examining how to respond moving forward.”
These examples illustrate that “kentou suru” implies an official, often collective, process of evaluation rather than mere personal reflection.
Main Differences Between “Kangaeru” and “Kentou Suru” in Business
Though both verbs deal with the act of thinking, their key differences in business Japanese are:
- Formality: “Kentou suru” is more formal and appropriate for written and spoken business communication, while “kangaeru” is more general and can be used in both casual and professional contexts.
- Depth of Analysis: “Kentou suru” implies a deeper, more structured examination, often as part of a decision-making process. “Kangaeru” is more about general or personal thought.
- Implication of Action: Using “kentou suru” suggests that a decision or action may follow the consideration. “Kangaeru” may or may not lead to further steps.
How to Choose the Right Word in Business Japanese
When you want to express a casual or personal thought, “kangaeru” is suitable. However, if you are responding to a proposal, discussing strategies, or writing a formal email, “kentou suru” is the preferred choice. Correctly using these verbs will help you convey professionalism and cultural awareness in Japanese business settings.
Quick Reference Table
| Verb | Meaning | Formality | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kangaeru (考える) | To think, to consider | General | 問題について考えます。 (I’ll think about the problem.) |
| Kentou suru (検討する) | To examine, to deliberate | Formal/Business | ご提案を検討いたします。 (We will carefully consider your proposal.) |
Conclusion
Mastering the subtle differences between “kangaeru” and “kentou suru” can greatly enhance your Japanese business communication skills. Use “kangaeru” for general thought and “kentou suru” for formal, structured consideration or evaluation. Practicing these distinctions will help you sound more natural and professional, giving you an edge in Japanese business environments. For more insights and tips on learning Japanese for business, explore the resources available on Talkpal’s AI language learning blog.
