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The phrase combines kentō (consideration) and shite miru (try doing). You use it when someone makes a proposal or when you face a choice. To make it polite for strangers or bosses, change it to kentō shite mimasu. If you are talking to a CEO, you might use kentō itashimasu. It is like a Lego set. You can swap the ending to fit the room. Just remember that the miru part adds a sense of 'giving it a go' or 'trying it out.'

Use it at work when a colleague asks for a favor you aren't sure about. Use it when shopping for something expensive like a car or a high-end camera. It is great for when you need to check your calendar before committing to a party. If a friend suggests a weird pizza topping, you can use it to be playfully serious. It shows you are taking the suggestion seriously, even if you are actually 90% sure you'll say no later.

Do not use it for simple, everyday things. If someone asks 'Do you want water?', don't say kentō shite miru. That makes you sound like a weird robot. Also, don't use it if you have already decided. If you know you are going to say 'yes,' just say 'yes.' Using this phrase when you are already sure can feel like you are playing mind games or being unnecessarily vague.

Japan loves harmony, or wa. Saying a flat 'no' can feel like a slap in the face. This phrase is a vital social lubricant. It allows for a 'soft no.' In business, 'we will consider it' often means 'probably not.' But it keeps the relationship smooth. It is a way to respect the other person's effort by promising to at least process the information. It is the ultimate shield against social pressure.

You will often hear maemuki ni kentō shimasu. This means 'I will consider it positively.' It sounds very promising, but be careful! It still isn't a 100% 'yes.' Another one is kangaete oku. This is much more casual. Use that one with your best friends or family when they ask you to do something. If you want to sound like a samurai of the boardroom, stick with kentō.