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心に思う (こころにおもう) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-u)
think deep down ; tell oneself ; secretly believe
Used when one holds a private thought or conviction, often one not openly expressed. The feeling is internal and may be accompanied by a sense of quiet resolve or hidden belief.
おも
う
、
いつ
か
必かなら
ず
成せい
功こう
する
と
。
I tell myself that I will definitely succeed someday.
Similar words 思おも う 思う is the general verb for 'to think' or 'to feel'. 心に思う specifically emphasizes a private, inner thought or belief, often kept to oneself.
心こころ の 中なか で 思おも う Very similar in meaning, but 心の中で思う can sound slightly more deliberate or conscious. 心に思う is more idiomatic and literary.
Etymology Compound of 心 (こころ, 'heart, mind') + に (particle) + 思う (おもう, 'to think'). The phrase literally means 'to think in one's heart', and its idiomatic sense of private thought is a natural extension.