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Kotomora

考

consider, think over

JLPTN4StatusJōyō · grade 2FrequencyTop 200Strokes6

Readings

On'yomi

  • コウ

Kun'yomi

  • かんが.える
  • かんが.え

Nanori

  • たか

Meaning

考 centers on the act of thinking deeply about something: considering, reflecting, or thinking over a matter carefully.

Most common words using 考

20 of 161
  • 考えかんがえ
    N3

    thinking; thought; view; opinion; concept

  • 考えるかんがえる
    N5

    to think (about, of); to think over; to ponder; to contemplate; to reflect (on); to meditate (on)

  • 参考さんこう
    N3

    reference; consultation

  • 考え方かんがえかた

    way of thinking; point of view; opinion; approach (e.g. to a problem); attitude

  • 思考しこう
    N1

    thought; consideration; thinking

  • 考慮こうりょ
    N2

    consideration; taking into account

  • 考察こうさつ

    consideration; inquiry; enquiry; investigation; study

  • 選考せんこう
    N1

    selection; choice; screening

  • 備考びこう
    N1

    note (for reference); remarks; N.B.

  • 考案こうあん

    plan; device; idea; design; contrivance; conception; invention

  • 考こう

    thought

  • 考古学こうこがく
    N1

    archaeology; archeology

  • 考古こうこ

    study of antiquities; archaeology; archeology

  • 再考さいこう

    reconsideration

  • 考え事かんがえごと

    something to think about; one's thoughts; concern; worry

  • 考証こうしょう

    investigation into historical evidence; study of historical artifacts

  • 熟考じゅっこう

    careful consideration; deliberation; thinking over carefully

  • 論考ろんこう

    study (of); discussion; discourse; inquiry; research article; academic paper

  • 考え直すかんがえなおす
    N2

    to reconsider; to rethink; to reassess

  • 考査こうさ

    examination; consideration; test; quiz

Explore all words using 考 →

Study

Etymology

考 is traditionally explained as combining 耂 (old person) and 丂 (a bent shape), suggesting an old person bent over in thought or examination.

Meaning mnemonic

The top 耂 looks like an old person leaning on a cane, and the bottom 丂 is a bent shape. Picture an elderly scholar bent over a desk, deeply considering a problem.

Reading mnemonic

For コウ, imagine a thoughtful person considering a problem while holding a cup of コーヒー (coffee): the first syllable コー cues コウ, and the deep thinking fits the meaning.