Translation and Meaning of: 思う - omou

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 思う[おもう]. It is an essential verb in everyday vocabulary and frequently appears in conversations, texts, and even in songs and animes. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical usage, as well as tips for memorizing it efficiently. Whether to expand your knowledge or to use in daily phrases, understanding 思う is an important step in learning Japanese.

Meaning and translation of 思う

思う is a Japanese verb that means "to think," "to believe," or "to consider." It expresses opinions, feelings, and subjective impressions, being used when someone wants to share what is on their mind. Unlike 考える[かんがえる], which implies more logical reasoning, 思う has a more personal and emotional tone.

In translations to English, depending on the context, it can be interpreted as "think," "imagine," or even "feel." For example, in a sentence like 彼は優しいと思う[かれはやさしいとおもう], the most natural translation would be "I think he is kind." This flexibility makes the verb widely used in various situations.

Origin and writing of the kanji 思

The kanji 思 is composed of two elements: the radical 田[た], which represents a field or land, and 心[こころ], which means "heart" or "mind." This combination suggests the idea of thoughts cultivated in the mind, as if they were crops in a field. The etymology reflects well the meaning of the verb, as it is connected to internal ideas and feelings.

It is worth noting that although the radical 田 appears in other kanji related to field work, in 思 it has no direct relation to agriculture. The most accepted interpretation is that it represents a metaphor for something that grows within us, just like thoughts.

How to use 思う in everyday life

思う is a versatile verb and appears in various contexts. One of the most common forms is in the structure [sentence] + と思う, used to express personal opinions. For example, 美味しいと思う[おいしいとおもう] means "I think it's delicious." This construction is so frequent that it becomes almost automatic for those who speak Japanese.

Additionally, it can also be used to describe fleeting feelings, as in 寂しいと思う[さびしいとおもう] ("I feel that I am lonely"). Being a verb that deals with subjectivity, it is common to see it in informal conversations, discussions, and even in song lyrics.

Tips for memorizing 思う

An effective way to 思う is to associate it with the kanji 心, which appears in other related to emotions, such as 感情[かんじょう] (feelings) and 恋[こい] (love). This connection helps to recall that the verb is linked to thoughts and internal impressions.

Another tip is to practice with short everyday phrases, like そう思う[そうおもう] ("I think so") or 違うと思う[ちがうとおもう] ("I don't think so"). Repeating these expressions in real contexts makes it easier to memorize and use the words naturally.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 考える (Kangaeru) - Think, consider, evaluate possibilities.
• 想う (Omou) - To think or feel something with emotion, often related to feelings or desires.
• 思考する (Shikou suru) - Reflect, reason in a logical or analytical way.
• 考慮する (Kouryo suru) - Consider, weigh options or circumstances.
• 考え出す (Kangaedasu) - Reaching a conclusion or idea after a process of reflection.