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.
Such a thought suddenly crossed my mind.
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.
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.
The danger crossed my mind (briefly).
Similar to 頭をよぎる, but emphasizes the emotional or heartfelt aspect of the thought.
A feeling of anxiety crossed my mind.
To come to mind, to occur to one. More general than よぎる, not necessarily fleeting.
A good idea crossed my mind.
To suddenly think or realize something. Often used with a clause.
It crossed my mind that he might be lying.
To flicker across one's mind, often used for persistent or recurring thoughts.
The shadow of death crossed my mind.
It crossed my mind that you might have forgotten.
Similar to かとも思った, but slightly more tentative. 'I wondered if perhaps...'
It crossed my mind that he might not come.
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.