Translation guide
How to express that a thought or idea briefly occurs to someone in Japanese.
To say that an idea, memory, or possibility briefly comes to mind.
Literally 'to cross one's mind', used when a thought or image flashes through one's mind, often briefly or unexpectedly.
ふと、そんな考えが頭をよぎった。
Such a thought suddenly crossed my mind.
Similar to 頭をよぎる, but emphasizes the emotional or heartfelt aspect of the thought.
不安が心をよぎった。
A feeling of anxiety crossed my mind.
To come to mind, to occur to one. More general than よぎる, not necessarily fleeting.
To suddenly think or realize something. Often used with a clause.
ふと、彼は嘘をついているのではないかと思った。
It crossed my mind that he might be lying.
To flicker across one's mind, often used for persistent or recurring thoughts.
To say that someone considered a possibility, often one that is unlikely or negative.
Used to express that a thought crossed one's mind, often implying doubt or hesitation. Attach to a clause.
もしかして忘れたのかとも思った。
It crossed my mind that you might have forgotten.
頭をよぎる emphasizes a fleeting, often unexpected thought that passes quickly. 思い浮かぶ is more general and can be used for ideas that come to mind and stay.
危険が頭をよぎった。
The danger crossed my mind (briefly).
解決策が思い浮かんだ。
A solution came to mind.
Do not translate 'cross one's mind' literally as 心を横切る or similar. Use the idiomatic expressions above.
いいアイデアが思い浮かんだ。
A good idea crossed my mind.
死の影が頭にちらついた。
The shadow of death crossed my mind.
Similar to かとも思った, but slightly more tentative. 'I wondered if perhaps...'
彼は来ないのではと思った。
It crossed my mind that he might not come.