思う

The Japanese verb 思う (omou) is a fundamental building block of the Japanese language, primarily translated as 'to think.' However, its usage is far more nuanced than its English counterpart. In Japanese, 'omou' represents an internal, subjective state of mind. It is the verb you use to express your feelings, your intuitions, and your personal opinions. Unlike 'kangaeru,' which implies a logical or analytical process of 'considering' or 'pondering,' 'omou' is often spontaneous and emotional. It is the window into a speaker's heart and mind.

Core Concept

Subjective internal thought or feeling that arises naturally within the speaker.

One of the most critical functions of 'omou' in Japanese society is its role as a linguistic 'softener.' Japanese culture places a high value on harmony (wa) and avoiding direct confrontation. Stating an opinion as a blunt fact can often come across as rude or overly assertive. By adding 'to omoimasu' (I think that...) to the end of a sentence, you frame your statement as a personal perspective rather than an absolute truth. This creates space for the listener to hold a different view without conflict.

In this example, the speaker is not just stating a fact about the person's character; they are sharing their personal impression. The use of 'omou' makes the statement sound more thoughtful and less judgmental. It is also important to note that 'omou' is typically used for the speaker's own thoughts. When talking about what someone else thinks, Japanese grammar usually requires the continuous form 'omotte iru' or other specific structures to indicate that the speaker is observing someone else's state of mind from the outside.

Furthermore, 'omou' can extend into the realm of 'wishing' or 'intending.' When combined with the volitional form of a verb, such as 'ikou to omou' (I think I will go), it expresses a tentative plan or a desire that has formed in the speaker's mind. This flexibility makes 'omou' indispensable for daily conversation, ranging from simple opinions about the weather to deep philosophical reflections on life. Understanding 'omou' is not just about learning a verb; it is about understanding how Japanese speakers navigate the delicate balance between personal truth and social grace.

Emotional Nuance

Often used to express empathy, nostalgia, or a gut feeling that cannot be explained by logic alone.

In more literary or poetic contexts, 'omou' can even mean 'to love' or 'to care for' someone, as in 'omou hito' (the person one thinks of/loves). This deep emotional connection is what separates 'omou' from the colder, more cerebral 'kangaeru.' When you use 'omou,' you are engaging your heart as much as your brain.

Using 思う (omou) correctly requires a solid grasp of Japanese sentence structure, specifically the use of the quotation particle と (to). The basic pattern is: [Plain Form Sentence] + と思う. This structure allows you to embed an entire thought or statement within the verb. It is vital to remember that the sentence inside the 'to' must be in its plain (dictionary) form, even if the overall sentence ends in the polite 'omoimasu' form.

Basic Pattern

[Clause in Plain Form] + と + 思う/思います

For example, if you want to say 'I think it is delicious,' you take the plain form of 'delicious' (oishii) and add 'to omoimasu.' The result is Oishii to omoimasu. If the thought involves a noun or a 'na-adjective,' you must include the copula 'da' before 'to.' For instance, 'I think he is a student' becomes Kare wa gakusei da to omoimasu. Omitting the 'da' is a common mistake for beginners.

Tense is another important factor. If you want to say 'I thought...' you change 'omou' to its past tense 'omotta' or 'omoimashita.' However, the tense of the inner clause stays relative to the time of thinking. 'I thought it was expensive' would be Takai to omoimashita. If you use the past tense inside the clause, like Takatta to omoimasu, it means 'I think it was expensive' (now, looking back).

Negative sentences with 'omou' can be tricky. In English, we often say 'I don't think it will rain.' In Japanese, you can either negate the inner verb (Furanai to omoimasu - I think it won't rain) or negate 'omou' itself (Furu to wa omoimasen - I don't think it will rain). The latter is often more emphatic or used when disagreeing with someone else's suggestion. For daily use, negating the inner verb is generally more common and sounds more natural.

Third Person Usage

田中さんはそう思っています。
(Tanaka-san wa sou omotte imasu.)
Mr. Tanaka thinks so.

Finally, 'omou' is used in many set patterns. 'To omoimasu ga...' is a very common way to start a sentence when you are about to say something that might be controversial or when you are asking for someone's opinion. It literally means 'I think that..., but...' and serves to soften the impact of your words. Mastering these structures is essential for achieving a natural flow in Japanese conversation.

You will hear 思う (omou) in almost every social interaction in Japan, from casual chats with friends to formal business meetings and television broadcasts. Its ubiquity stems from the cultural necessity of expressing opinions indirectly. In a business setting, a manager might say, 'Kono keikaku wa muzukashii to omoimasu' (I think this plan is difficult), which is a polite way of saying the plan won't work. Directly saying 'This plan is impossible' would be considered too harsh.

Business Context

Used to offer suggestions or feedback without sounding authoritative or confrontational.

On variety shows and in interviews, celebrities and guests constantly use 'omou' to share their impressions. You'll often hear the phrase 'Dou omoimasu ka?' (What do you think?), which is the standard way to invite someone else to share their perspective. In news reporting, journalists use 'omowaremasu' (the passive form of omou) to indicate that something is 'thought to be' or 'appears to be' the case, which adds a layer of objective distance to their reporting.

In casual settings among friends, the plain form 'omou' or 'omou n da' is used frequently. Friends might discuss a new movie, saying 'Sugoku yokatta to omou!' (I think it was really good!). Here, the 'omou' adds a personal touch, signaling that the speaker is sharing their genuine feeling. You might also hear 'omou ni...' at the start of a sentence, which translates to 'In my opinion...' or 'I feel that...'

In literature and song lyrics, 'omou' takes on a more profound, emotional weight. It is used to describe longing for a loved one, reflecting on the past, or contemplating the beauty of nature. The word 'omoide' (memories) is derived from 'omou,' highlighting the connection between thinking and the preservation of emotional experiences. When you hear 'omou' in a ballad, it is almost always about the deep, internal yearning of the heart.

Social Media & Texting

Often used with emojis to convey a lighthearted or tentative opinion, making the text feel more conversational.

Whether it is a doctor explaining a diagnosis ('...to omowaremasu'), a politician giving a speech, or a child telling their parent what they want for dinner, 'omou' is the thread that weaves through the fabric of Japanese communication. It is the essential tool for expressing the 'self' while remaining mindful of the 'other.'

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with 思う (omou) is confusing it with 考える (kangaeru). In English, 'to think' covers both emotional opinions and logical reasoning. In Japanese, these are strictly separated. If you are solving a math problem or planning a logistics route, you are 'kangaeru.' If you are expressing that you like a certain color or think a movie was boring, you are 'omou.' Using 'kangaeru' for a personal opinion can make you sound strangely robotic or overly analytical.

Mistake 1: Omou vs. Kangaeru

Using 'kangaeru' for personal opinions or 'omou' for complex logical analysis.

Another common error is forgetting the 'da' (the plain form of 'desu') when using 'omou' with nouns or na-adjectives. Beginners often say 'Kare wa gakusei to omoimasu,' but the correct form is 'Kare wa gakusei da to omoimasu.' This 'da' is grammatically required to link the noun to the quotation particle 'to.' Without it, the sentence feels incomplete and jarring to a native speaker's ears.

A third major pitfall is the usage of 'omou' for third parties. In Japanese, you generally cannot state another person's internal feelings as a direct fact using 'omou.' Saying 'Tanaka-san wa oishii to omoimasu' sounds like you are claiming to have telepathic access to Tanaka's mind. Instead, you must use 'omotte imasu' (is thinking) or 'omotte iru you desu' (seems to be thinking). This distinction is vital for maintaining the correct 'point of view' in Japanese grammar.

Learners also struggle with the placement of the negative. While English speakers often say 'I don't think that...', which negates the 'thinking' part, Japanese speakers usually negate the content of the thought. For example, 'I don't think he will come' is typically 'Konai to omoimasu' (I think he won't come) rather than 'Kuru to wa omoimasen.' While both are possible, the former is the standard way to express a negative opinion.

Mistake 2: The 'Da' Omission

Forgetting to use 'da' after nouns and na-adjectives before 'to omou'.

Lastly, be careful not to overuse 'omou' in very formal writing or academic papers where objective facts are required. While it is great for conversation, overusing it in a formal essay can make your writing seem weak or overly subjective. In those cases, words like 'kangaerareru' (it is considered) or 'de aru' (it is) are more appropriate. Balancing the use of 'omou' is key to sounding like a sophisticated speaker.

While 思う (omou) is the most common way to express thinking, several other words offer different nuances. The most significant alternative is 考える (kangaeru). As mentioned, 'kangaeru' is for logical, deliberate thought. If you are 'thinking' about which car to buy by comparing prices and features, you are 'kangaeru.' If you 'think' a car looks cool, you are 'omou.'

思う (Omou) vs. 考える (Kangaeru)

Omou: Intuitive, emotional, subjective opinions.
Kangaeru: Logical, analytical, objective consideration.

Another important word is 思い出す (omoidasu), which specifically means 'to remember' or 'to recall.' While 'omou' is about a current thought, 'omoidasu' is about bringing a past thought or memory back to the surface. If you suddenly remember where you left your keys, you use 'omoidashita!'

In formal or humble situations, you will encounter 存じる (zonjiru). This is the humble (kenjougo) version of 'omou' and 'shiru' (to know). You would use this when speaking to a superior or a customer to express your thoughts or knowledge respectfully. For example, 'Sashitsukae nakereba, o-tetsudai shitai to zonjimasu' (If it's alright, I would like to help you).

There is also 信じる (shinjiru), which means 'to believe.' While 'omou' can sometimes be translated as 'believe' in the sense of an opinion, 'shinjiru' implies a much stronger conviction or trust, such as believing in a person or a religious faith. Finally, 気がする (ki ga suru) is a very common phrase meaning 'to have a feeling that...' or 'to have a hunch.' It is even more tentative and intuitive than 'omou,' often used when you can't quite put your finger on why you think something.

Other Related Terms

Zonjiru: Very formal/humble.
Ki ga suru: To have a hunch/feeling.
Omoikomu: To be under the (often mistaken) impression.

Choosing the right word for 'thinking' allows you to convey exactly how certain you are and what kind of mental process you are undergoing. Mastering these distinctions will significantly elevate your Japanese from basic communication to nuanced expression.