〜と考えられる

The Japanese expression 〜と考えられる (to kangaerareru) is a cornerstone of formal, objective, and academic Japanese. At its core, it translates to "it is considered that," "it is thought that," or "it can be reasoned that." While the base verb kangaeru means "to think" or "to consider," the addition of the passive/potential suffix -rareru transforms the statement from a personal opinion into a generalized, logical conclusion based on evidence or common consensus. This shift is crucial in Japanese communication, where directness is often softened to maintain objectivity or to show respect for the complexity of a situation. When you use this phrase, you are signaling to your audience that your conclusion is not just a whim, but the result of a deliberate thought process or an analysis of the facts at hand. It is the linguistic equivalent of stepping back from a painting to describe what it depicts, rather than just saying what you like about it.

Grammatical Function

It functions as a sentence-ending predicate that expresses a logical inference or a widely held belief. It is primarily used in written reports, news broadcasts, and academic papers.

In everyday conversation, you might say 〜と思う (to omou) to express "I think." However, in a professional or academic setting, to omou sounds too subjective and personal. By using 〜と考えられる, the speaker removes themselves from the center of the thought, suggesting that anyone looking at the same data would likely reach the same conclusion. This is particularly important in Japanese culture, which values harmony (wa) and consensus. By framing an idea as something that "can be considered," the speaker leaves room for other perspectives while still presenting a strong, evidence-based argument. It is a way of being assertive without being aggressive. For instance, if a researcher finds that a certain chemical causes a reaction, they wouldn't say "I think this chemical is dangerous." Instead, they would say, "This chemical is considered to be dangerous based on the results," using 〜と考えられる to ground the statement in the experimental data.

Furthermore, the nuance of spontaneity (jihatsu) is often present in this form. In Japanese grammar, the passive form can sometimes indicate that a thought naturally arises in one's mind without a conscious effort of will. Thus, 〜と考えられる can imply that the conclusion is so obvious or logically sound that it naturally suggests itself to the observer. This adds a layer of inevitability to the statement. It is not just that the speaker chooses to think this; it is that the situation leads one to think this. This subtle distinction is what makes the phrase so powerful in persuasive writing. It guides the reader toward the conclusion as if it were the only logical path to take. Understanding this nuance is key for B1 learners who are transitioning from basic conversational Japanese to more sophisticated, professional communication styles.

Nuance Comparison

Unlike '〜と思われる' (to omowareru), which is more intuitive and feeling-based, '〜と考えられる' (to kangaerareru) is strictly logical and evidence-based.

The phrase is also frequently used when discussing historical events, social trends, or scientific phenomena where absolute certainty is impossible, but a strong inference can be made. For example, when a historian analyzes ancient ruins, they might say, "This building is considered to have been a temple," using 〜と考えられる. This acknowledges that while we weren't there to see it, the evidence (altars, religious artifacts) points strongly in that direction. It allows for scholarly humility while still making a definitive claim. In the context of the CEFR B1 level, mastering this phrase allows students to engage with more complex texts and express their own ideas with a level of sophistication that matches their growing cognitive and linguistic abilities. It marks the shift from simply describing the world to analyzing and interpreting it through a Japanese linguistic lens.

Using 〜と考えられる correctly requires an understanding of how to connect it to different parts of speech. The general rule is that it follows the plain form (dictionary form) of verbs, adjectives, and the da form of nouns. This makes it relatively versatile, but there are specific nuances to keep in mind for each category. Because it is a formal expression, the sentence usually ends in the polite 〜と考えられます (to kangaeraremasu) in spoken presentations or formal letters, while the plain 〜と考えられる is used in essays, news articles, and research papers. Let's break down the connections step-by-step to ensure you can build these sentences with confidence.

Verbs

Verb (Plain Form) + と考えられる. Example: 景気は回復すると考えられる (The economy is considered to recover).

When connecting to verbs, you can use the present, past, or negative plain forms. For example, 〜したと考えられる (it is considered that [something] happened) is extremely common in historical or forensic contexts. If you are discussing a future possibility based on current trends, you would use the present form. The key is that the verb before to must be in its dictionary or plain past form. This maintains the objective tone of the entire statement. It is also common to see this paired with adverbs like 一般的に (ippanteki ni - generally) or 論理的に (ronriteki ni - logically) to further clarify the basis of the consideration.

For i-adjectives, you simply use the plain form. For example, 価格は高いと考えられる (The price is considered to be high). For na-adjectives and nouns, you must include the copula da before to. For instance, 彼は天才だと考えられる (He is considered to be a genius) or この方法は有効だと考えられる (This method is considered to be effective). Omitting the da is a common mistake for learners, as it is required to link the noun/na-adjective to the quotative particle to. This structure mirrors the way you use to omou, but with the formal passive ending.

Nouns and Na-Adjectives

Noun/Na-Adj + だ + と考えられる. Example: 原因はストレスだと考えられる (The cause is considered to be stress).

Another important aspect is the use of particles. The subject of the thought (the thing being considered) is often marked with wa or ga. However, when the entire clause is the object of consideration, the particle to acts as the bridge. You will also frequently see the structure 〜の理由として、〜と考えられる (As a reason for..., it is considered that...). This is a high-level sentence pattern that allows you to link causes and effects in a professional manner. For example, "As a reason for the population decline, the low birth rate is considered [to be the cause]." This level of structural complexity is exactly what is expected at the B1 and B2 levels of Japanese proficiency.

Finally, consider the tense of the final verb. While kangaerareru is the standard present form, kangaerarete iru (is being considered/is widely thought) is used when a belief is currently held by a large group of people over a period of time. Kangaerareta (was considered) is used for past theories that may or may not have changed. Choosing the right aspect (simple vs. continuous) adds a layer of precision to your Japanese that will impress native speakers and examiners alike. By practicing these variations, you move beyond simple sentence construction into the realm of nuanced academic and professional discourse.

The expression 〜と考えられる is ubiquitous in specific domains of Japanese life, primarily those involving the dissemination of information, analysis, and formal reporting. If you turn on the NHK news or pick up a copy of the Asahi Shimbun, you will encounter this phrase multiple times in a single segment or article. It is the "voice of authority" in Japanese media. News anchors use it to report on police investigations where a motive is suspected but not yet proven, or to discuss economic forecasts where analysts have reached a consensus. For example, "The fire is considered to have started from a short circuit" would almost certainly use 〜と考えられる to maintain journalistic objectivity and avoid making a definitive, unproven claim.

News Media

Used by journalists to report inferences, police suspicions, and expert opinions without taking personal responsibility for the claim.

In the world of academia and science, 〜と考えられる is the standard way to present a hypothesis or interpret data. Japanese research papers are characterized by a cautious, humble tone. Instead of saying "The data proves X," a Japanese researcher will say "From this data, X is considered to be the case." This aligns with the scientific method's inherent uncertainty and the Japanese cultural preference for indirectness. If you are a student at a Japanese university or planning to work in a technical field in Japan, you must become comfortable with this phrase. It is used in the 'Discussion' and 'Conclusion' sections of almost every paper to synthesize findings into a coherent theory. It signals that the researcher is engaging in logical deduction rather than mere speculation.

Beyond the news and science, you will hear this phrase in business presentations and corporate reports. When a marketing team analyzes consumer behavior, they might present their findings by saying, "The increase in sales is considered to be due to the new advertising campaign." Using 〜と考えられる here makes the team sound professional and data-driven. It shifts the focus from their personal feelings to the logical link between the campaign and the sales figures. In a board meeting, this phrasing helps to build consensus, as it invites others to agree with the logical progression presented. It is much more persuasive in a Japanese corporate context than the more personal 〜と思います (I think).

You will also encounter this in documentaries and educational programs. Narrators use it to explain natural phenomena, historical mysteries, or social issues. For instance, in a documentary about the extinction of dinosaurs, the narrator might say, "A massive asteroid impact is considered to be the primary cause." This usage highlights the phrase's role in conveying established or highly probable theories to the general public. Even in high school textbooks, this expression is used to teach students how to form and express logical arguments. By recognizing this phrase in these various contexts, you will start to see how Japanese society structures knowledge and authority through language.

Academic Writing

The primary marker for interpreting results and forming hypotheses in Japanese scholarly work.

Lastly, it's worth noting that while you won't hear this much in a casual chat over coffee, you might hear it in a serious discussion between friends about a complex topic like politics or social change. When people want to distance themselves from a controversial opinion while still contributing to the conversation, they might use the polite form 〜と考えられますね. This signals that they are thinking deeply and objectively about the matter. For a learner, being able to switch from the casual to omou to the formal to kangaerareru is a clear sign of advancing proficiency and cultural awareness.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 〜と考えられる is using it in overly casual situations. Because it carries a heavy, formal, and objective weight, using it while talking to friends about what movie to watch or what to eat for dinner will sound incredibly strange—almost as if you are reading a scientific report about your lunch. For example, saying 「ラーメンが美味しいと考えられる」 (It is considered that ramen is delicious) is grammatically correct but pragmatically bizarre. In these cases, the simple 〜と思う (to omou) or 〜じゃない？ (janai? - isn't it?) is much more appropriate. The key is to match the formality of the expression to the context of the conversation.

Mistake 1: Wrong Register

Using '〜と考えられる' in casual, daily conversations where personal opinion (〜と思う) is expected.

Another common error involves the grammatical connection, specifically with nouns and na-adjectives. As mentioned in the usage section, you must include the copula da before the particle to. Many learners, influenced by English structures like "is considered [noun]," forget the da. For example, 「原因はミスと考えられる」 is technically incorrect in formal writing; it should be 「原因はミスだと考えられる」. This small syllable is essential for the sentence to be grammatically sound. Similarly, for na-adjectives, you cannot say 「この方法は便利と考えられる」; it must be 「この方法は便利だと考えられる」.

Learners also often confuse 〜と考えられる with 〜と考えられている (to kangaerarete iru). While they are similar, 〜と考えられる usually refers to the speaker's (or writer's) logical conclusion based on specific evidence presented now. In contrast, 〜と考えられている refers to a general belief or a widely accepted fact held by society or a group of experts over time. If you are presenting a new theory in your essay, use 〜と考えられる. If you are describing a well-known historical fact, 〜と考えられている is better. Mixing these up can slightly obscure who holds the opinion and how long they have held it.

There is also the confusion between 〜と考えられる and 〜と思われる (to omowareru). While both are formal and passive, 〜と考えられる is strictly for logical, rational thought processes. 〜と思われる is used for more intuitive, subjective, or sensory-based impressions. If you see smoke and think there's a fire, you might say 〜と思われる. If you analyze the chemical composition of the smoke to determine the source, you would use 〜と考えられる. Using the logical version for a purely intuitive feeling can make you sound cold or overly clinical, while using the intuitive version in a scientific paper can make your work seem less rigorous.

Mistake 2: Logic vs. Intuition

Using '〜と考えられる' for gut feelings instead of '〜と思われる'.

Finally, watch out for double passives or redundant phrasing. Some learners try to make the sentence even more formal by adding more passive layers, which results in clunky and unnatural Japanese. Stick to the standard 〜と考えられる or 〜と考えられます. Also, ensure that the subject of the sentence aligns with the objective tone. Avoid using 「私は〜と考えられる」 (I am considered that...). The whole point of the phrase is to remove the "I" from the statement. The subject should be the phenomenon or the fact you are discussing. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you will be able to use this sophisticated expression with the precision of a native speaker.

In Japanese, there are several expressions that share the same semantic space as 〜と考えられる, each with its own specific nuance and level of formality. Understanding these alternatives is essential for achieving a high level of fluency, as it allows you to choose the exact "flavor" of objectivity you want to convey. The most common alternative is 〜と思われる (to omowareru). As discussed previously, this is more intuitive. It is often used in news reports when the situation is still unfolding and the facts aren't fully established. It suggests a "visible impression" rather than a "calculated conclusion." If you want to sound slightly less clinical and more observant, 〜と思われる is a great choice.

〜と思われる (to omowareru)

Focuses on intuitive impressions or appearances. 'It seems to be...' or 'It appears that...'

Another powerful alternative is 〜と推測される (to suisoku sareru), which means "it is conjectured" or "it is inferred." This is even more formal and technical than 〜と考えられる. It specifically highlights the act of inference based on limited data. You will see this in forensic reports, archaeological studies, and high-level economic analysis. While kangaerareru is a general "thought," suisoku sareru is a specific "guess" made by an expert. If you want to emphasize that you are making an educated guess based on specific clues, this is the phrase to use. It adds a layer of professional scrutiny to your statement.

For situations where you are describing how something is categorized or defined by society, 〜と見なされる (to minasareru) is the best choice. It translates to "it is regarded as" or "it is deemed to be." This is often used in legal or social contexts. For example, "Driving under the influence is regarded as a serious crime." This is different from kangaerareru because it's not about a logical thought process, but about a social or legal judgment. If you are talking about rules, laws, or social norms, minasareru provides the necessary nuance of external judgment.

〜と見なされる (to minasareru)

Used for social or legal judgments. 'It is regarded as...' or 'It is deemed...'

In academic writing, you might also encounter 〜と示唆される (to shisa sareru), meaning "it is suggested that." This is a very cautious way of presenting a finding. It implies that while the evidence points in a certain direction, it isn't definitive. It's a favorite of researchers who want to avoid overstating their results. On the other end of the spectrum, 〜と断定される (to dantei sareru) means "it is concluded/determined to be." This is used when the evidence is so strong that there is no room for doubt. By choosing between shisa sareru (suggestion), kangaerareru (logical thought), and dantei sareru (determination), you can precisely control the strength of your argument.

Finally, for more general statements about what people say, you can use 〜と言われている (to iwarete iru - it is said that). This is less about logic and more about hearsay or tradition. While 〜と考えられる requires a reason, 〜と言われている just requires that people are saying it. For example, "It is said that this mountain is home to a god." Using kangaerareru here would imply there's a logical, scientific reason to think a god lives there, which would be quite different! Mastering these subtle differences will allow you to navigate the complex world of Japanese formal communication with ease and precision.