think

思う、考える

確かではなくても、あることが本当だろうと思う。

やさしい英語で： To believe that something is true or likely, even if you are not certain.

• I think she is tired.
• Do you think it will rain?
• We thought the shop was closed.

使い方： think (that)… (I think we need a bigger table.); think someone/something is… (She thinks the answer is wrong.)

類義語： believe, suppose, reckon

よく使う表現： think so, think something is, think that

考える

何かを検討したり理解しようとしたりして、頭を働かせる。

やさしい英語で： To use your mind to consider something or try to understand it.

• Let me think.
• She thought carefully about the problem.
• What are you thinking about?

使い方： think about someone/something (I need to think about your offer.); think of someone/something (Try to think of a solution.)

類義語： consider, reflect, ponder

よく使う表現： think about something, think carefully, think things through

思う、心の中で言う

声に出さず、心の中で言葉や考えを思い浮かべる。

やさしい英語で： To form words or ideas in your mind without speaking.

• I thought, “This is easy.”
• She smiled and thought about how lucky she was.
• “Where is everyone?” he was thinking.

使い方： think to oneself (He thought to himself, “I can do this.”)

類義語： say to oneself

よく使う表現： think to yourself, think silently, think these words

思う

提案やお願いを、やわらかい言い方で伝えるために使う。

やさしい英語で： Used to make a suggestion or request sound less direct.

• I think we should leave.
• I was thinking we could eat outside.
• Do you think you could help me?

使い方： think we could/should + verb (I think we could try a different route.); Do you think you could + verb? (Do you think you could close the window?)

よく使う表現： think we could, think you should, think you might

思いつく、忘れずにする

必要なときに、何かをすることを思い出したり思いついたりする。

やさしい英語で： To remember or have the idea to do something when it is needed.

• I didn’t think to ask.
• Did anyone think to bring a map?
• She thought to check the door before leaving.

使い方： think to do something (Nobody thought to turn off the lights.)

類義語： remember

反対語： forget

よく使う表現： think to ask, think to check, think to bring

一考、熟考

何をするか決める前に、少しの間考えること。

やさしい英語で： A short period spent considering something before deciding what to do.

• I’ll have a think.
• Have a think about my offer.
• After a good think, she decided to stay.

使い方： have a think about something (Let me have a think about the price.)

類義語： reflection, consideration

よく使う表現： have a think, a good think, think about something, a long think