In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to say 'I'll think about it.'
- Uses the 'try doing' (~te miru) grammar structure.
- Often functions as a gentle, non-committal response.
Meaning
This phrase is like saying 'I'll give it some thought' or 'let me think about it.' It shows you are open to an idea but need a moment to process it before deciding.
Key Examples
3 of 6A friend invites you to a party you aren't sure about.
楽しそう！ちょっと考えてみるね。
Sounds fun! I'll try thinking about it.
A shop assistant offers a very expensive watch.
いいですね。一度考えてみます。
It's nice. I'll think about it for a bit.
Texting a friend about which movie to watch.
どの映画がいいか考えてみる！
I'll try thinking about which movie would be good!
Cultural Background
In meetings, 'kangaete okimasu' often means the proposal is being rejected, but they don't want to say it to your face. Shop staff are trained to accept 'kangaete mimasu' as a signal to stop selling and let the customer leave. In Kyoto, politeness is even more layered. A phrase like this might be even more likely to be a polite refusal. Using 'kangaete miru' in a text message can sometimes seem cold if not followed by an emoji like 🤔 or ✨.
The 'Soft No' Mastery
If you want to say 'no' politely, say '{少|すこ}し{考|かんが}えてみます' and then never bring it up again. The other person will usually get the hint.
Don't over-use with family
Using the polite 'kangaete mimasu' with close family can sound cold or like you are keeping a distance.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to say 'I'll think about it.'
- Uses the 'try doing' (~te miru) grammar structure.
- Often functions as a gentle, non-committal response.
What It Means
考えてみる is your best friend when you need a little breathing room. It combines the verb kangaeru (to think) with the auxiliary verb miru (to try). Together, they create a soft, non-committal way to say you'll consider something. It’s not a firm 'yes,' but it’s definitely not a 'no' either. It signals that you are actively engaging with an idea. You aren't just thinking; you are 'trying out' the thought in your head. It sounds much warmer than just saying 'I will think.'
How To Use It
Using this phrase is incredibly simple. You just take the te-form of the verb kangaeru and add miru. If you are talking to friends, keep it as kangaete miru. If you are talking to a teacher or a boss, use the polite version kangaete mimasu. You can also add ne at the end to sound even friendlier. It’s like adding a little musical note to your sentence. For example, chotto kangaete miru ne sounds very natural and kind.
When To Use It
This phrase is a lifesaver in daily Japanese life. Imagine you are at a clothing store. The clerk is being very helpful, but the shirt is expensive. You can say ichido kangaete mimasu to exit gracefully. It’s also perfect for invitations. If a friend asks you to go hiking on Saturday, but you might be tired, use this! It buys you time to check your energy levels. You’ll also hear it in meetings. It shows you are taking a colleague's suggestion seriously. It’s the ultimate social lubricant for indecisive moments.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for things that require an immediate, factual answer. If someone asks 'Is your name Tanaka?', saying kangaete miru would be very strange. It makes you sound like you’ve forgotten who you are! Also, avoid using it if you have absolutely no intention of thinking about it. While it can be a polite 'no,' using it too often for things you definitely won't do can seem a bit insincere. If the answer is a hard 'no' and honesty is better, be careful.
Cultural Background
In Japanese culture, harmony (wa) is everything. Saying a direct 'no' can feel like a slap in the face. 考えてみる acts as a soft cushion. It allows the other person to save face. Even if both people know the answer might eventually be 'no,' the process of 'trying to think' shows respect. It’s a way of saying, 'Your idea is worth my mental energy.' This phrase became a staple because it balances honesty with social grace. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a polite bow.
Common Variations
You will see this phrase change shapes often. kangaete miyou means 'let's try thinking about it.' This is great for brainstorming with a partner. kangaete mita? is the question form: 'did you try thinking about it?' If you want to sound very casual or a bit cute, you might hear kangaete miru wa. In professional settings, you might hear the much fancier kentou itashimasu. But for 90% of your life, the standard kangaete miru or kangaete mimasu will be your perfect tools.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral but leans casual. Always upgrade to 'kangaete mimasu' in professional settings or with people you don't know well.
The 'Soft No' Mastery
If you want to say 'no' politely, say '{少|すこ}し{考|かんが}えてみます' and then never bring it up again. The other person will usually get the hint.
Don't over-use with family
Using the polite 'kangaete mimasu' with close family can sound cold or like you are keeping a distance.
Examples
6楽しそう！ちょっと考えてみるね。
Sounds fun! I'll try thinking about it.
Adding 'ne' makes it sound friendly and casual.
いいですね。一度考えてみます。
It's nice. I'll think about it for a bit.
A classic way to leave a shop without buying anything.
どの映画がいいか考えてみる！
I'll try thinking about which movie would be good!
Shows you are taking the initiative to help choose.
猫がどうやってドアを開けるか考えてるみたい。
It looks like the cat is trying to think how to open the door.
Using the phrase to describe someone (or something) else's process.
二人の将来のために、真剣に考えてみるよ。
I will try thinking seriously about it for our future.
Adding 'shinken ni' (seriously) adds weight and sincerity.
そのアイデア、チームで考えてみます。
We will try thinking about that idea as a team.
Professional and collaborative tone.
Test Yourself
Choose the most polite way to say 'I will think about it' to a shop clerk.
店員：このカバンはどうですか？ あなた：＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。
The 'masu' form is required for politeness with a clerk, and 'kangaeru' is the correct verb for consideration.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'kangaeru'.
いい{方法|ほうほう}を（ ）てみるね。
The te-form of {考|かんが}える is {考|かんが}えて.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase fits a business meeting with a client?
In formal business, 'kentou itashimasu' is the professional version of 'kangaete mimasu'.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises店員：このカバンはどうですか？ あなた：＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。
The 'masu' form is required for politeness with a clerk, and 'kangaeru' is the correct verb for consideration.
いい{方法|ほうほう}を（ ）てみるね。
The te-form of {考|かんが}える is {考|かんが}えて.
Which phrase fits a business meeting with a client?
In formal business, 'kentou itashimasu' is the professional version of 'kangaete mimasu'.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNot always! It can be a genuine 'maybe.' However, in retail or with pushy invitations, it is a common polite refusal.
'Miru' means 'try thinking,' while 'oku' means 'think in advance/for later.' 'Oku' sounds a bit more committed.
Yes, if asked a difficult question, saying '{少|すこ}し{考|かんが}えさせてください' (Please let me think a bit) or '{考|かんが}えてみます' is acceptable.
Related Phrases
{検討|けんとう}する
specialized formTo investigate or deliberate.
{思|おも}い{付|つ}く
similarTo come up with an idea.
{考|かんが}え{直|なお}す
builds onTo reconsider or change one's mind.
{悩|なや}む
similarTo worry or be troubled by a choice.
