考: the kanji for think and consider
考 is a JLPT N4 kanji that means think, consider. Below are its readings, 9 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
考 is written in 6 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
考 has 2 readings in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 9 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
コウ (kou)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 参考さんこう · sankō | reference |
| 思考しこう · shikō | thinking |
| 考慮こうりょ · kōryo | consideration |
| 選考せんこう · senkō | selection; screening |
| 考察こうさつ · kōsatsu | study; analysis |
| 備考びこう · bikō | remarks; notes |
かんがえる (kangaeru)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 考えるかんがえる · kangaeru | to think; to consider |
| 考えかんがえ · kangae | idea; thought |
| 考え方かんがえかた · kangaekata | way of thinking |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- 少し考えさせてください。Sukoshi kangaesasete kudasai.Please let me think about it for a while.
- いい考えですね。Ii kangae desu ne.That's a good idea.
- この資料を参考にしてください。Kono shiryō o sankō ni shite kudasai.Please use this document as a reference.
- 選考の結果は一週間後にお知らせします。Senkō no kekka wa isshūkan go ni o-shirase shimasu.We'll let you know the result of the selection in a week.
- 予算を考慮して計画を立てました。Yosan o kōryo shite keikaku o tatemashita.We made the plan with the budget in mind.
- 日本と海外では考え方が違います。Nihon to kaigai de wa kangaekata ga chigaimasu.Ways of thinking differ between Japan and other countries.
Questions about 考
How many strokes does 考 have?
考 is written in 6 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 考?
The on readings are kou (コウ). The kun readings are kangaeru (かんがえる).
What does 検討します mean when a Japanese partner says it?
検討します (kentō shimasu) means "We will consider it." 考えさせてください (kangaesasete kudasai) is similar. Both can be a polite way to avoid saying no right away, so follow up to learn the decision.
What JLPT level is 考?
N4. The JLPT does not publish official kanji lists, so this level is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used through 2009.
About the JLPT level
The JLPT does not publish official lists of kanji for each level. The level on this page is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used for the test through 2009. The JLPT states that the current N4 is designed to match the former Level 3.
More JLPT N4 kanji
Study and thinking
Executive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.
Sources
- Jōyō Kanji Table (常用漢字表), Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, 2010: readings and special readings of 考
- JLPT Frequently Asked Questions, The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services: how current levels match the former levels
- Stroke order diagrams are based on KanjiVG by Ulrich Apel, used under CC BY-SA 3.0. The diagrams on this page are shared under the same license.