考
consider, think over
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
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.