In 15 Seconds
- Use it to introduce a reason before your main point.
- Perfect for sounding logical, thoughtful, and professional.
- Works in both spoken conversation and formal writing.
Meaning
This phrase is used to introduce a factor or reason you are weighing before making a decision or judgment. It is like saying 'given the circumstances' or 'taking into account' before you drop your main point.
Key Examples
3 of 6Planning a weekend trip
考虑到周末会下雨，我们还是留在家里吧。
Considering it will rain this weekend, let's just stay home.
In a business meeting
考虑到预算有限，我们建议推迟这个项目。
Considering the limited budget, we suggest postponing this project.
Texting a friend about a late arrival
考虑到现在的交通状况，我可能会晚到十分钟。
Considering the current traffic, I might be ten minutes late.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the Chinese emphasis on 'holistic thinking'—looking at the context before the individual parts. It became a staple of modern Mandarin as the language adapted to more formal, logical structures in the 20th century. Today, it is a hallmark of 'professional' speech in cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
The 'Soft No' Secret
If you need to reject an invitation in China, start with `考虑到`. It makes the rejection feel like it's caused by external factors rather than a lack of interest.
Don't Over-complicate
Keep the phrase following `考虑到` short. If your 'reason' is a three-paragraph story, the listener will lose track of your main point.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to introduce a reason before your main point.
- Perfect for sounding logical, thoughtful, and professional.
- Works in both spoken conversation and formal writing.
What It Means
考虑到 is your go-to phrase for showing you are a thoughtful person. It literally means "considering" or "taking into account." You use it to set the stage for a conclusion. It tells your listener that your opinion isn't random. You have actually weighed the facts first. It is the verbal equivalent of rubbing your chin thoughtfully.
How To Use It
Put 考虑到 right at the start of your sentence. Follow it immediately with the reason or situation. Then, add a comma and state your main point. For example: 考虑到 + [The Fact] + [The Result]. You can also tuck it into the middle of a sentence. Just make sure the 'reason' follows the phrase directly. It works with nouns, short phrases, or entire mini-sentences.
When To Use It
You will sound great using this in professional meetings. It makes your logic sound solid and well-researched. Use it when planning trips with friends to sound organized. It is perfect for explaining why you can't attend a party. It also works when you are giving someone advice. It shows you understand their specific situation. Use it when you want to sound reasonable and balanced.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for super simple, split-second choices. If someone asks if you want water, don't say "Considering I am thirsty, yes." That sounds like a robot trying to be human. Avoid it in high-energy, slang-heavy venting sessions with best friends. It might feel a bit too 'academic' for a heated argument. Also, don't use it if you haven't actually thought about the reason. It implies a level of logic that should be real.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture often values 'mianzi' (face) and indirectness. Using 考虑到 is a polite way to deliver bad news. Instead of a blunt "No," you explain the factors first. It softens the blow by showing the logic behind the decision. It reflects a holistic way of thinking common in East Asia. You aren't just looking at the goal; you are looking at the whole environment.
Common Variations
You might hear 考量 (kǎoliáng) in more formal or Taiwanese contexts. 由于 (yóuyú) is a close cousin meaning "due to," but it's more about cause-and-effect. 鉴于 (jiànyú) is the super-formal version you'll see in legal documents. If you want to sound extra casual, you might just say 想了想 (xiǎngle xiǎng), meaning "thought about it."
Usage Notes
This phrase sits comfortably in the 'Neutral' zone. It is professional enough for an office but natural enough for a coffee date. Avoid using it for impulsive decisions to keep your speech sounding natural.
The 'Soft No' Secret
If you need to reject an invitation in China, start with `考虑到`. It makes the rejection feel like it's caused by external factors rather than a lack of interest.
Don't Over-complicate
Keep the phrase following `考虑到` short. If your 'reason' is a three-paragraph story, the listener will lose track of your main point.
The Logic of Harmony
Using this phrase shows you've looked at the 'big picture' (大局), which is a highly respected trait in Chinese social and business circles.
Examples
6考虑到周末会下雨，我们还是留在家里吧。
Considering it will rain this weekend, let's just stay home.
Sets a logical reason for changing plans.
考虑到预算有限，我们建议推迟这个项目。
Considering the limited budget, we suggest postponing this project.
Professional way to deliver a difficult suggestion.
考虑到现在的交通状况，我可能会晚到十分钟。
Considering the current traffic, I might be ten minutes late.
Provides a valid excuse that isn't just 'I'm late.'
考虑到它是一只猫，不听话也很正常。
Considering it's a cat, it's normal that it doesn't listen.
Uses logic to explain a funny or relatable truth.
考虑到你的身体状况，你真的不应该再熬夜了。
Considering your health condition, you really shouldn't stay up late anymore.
Shows care by referencing specific personal facts.
考虑到你不能吃辣，我们去吃粤菜吧。
Considering you can't eat spicy food, let's go for Cantonese.
Shows you are being a considerate host or friend.
Test Yourself
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence about a job offer.
___ 工资很高，他决定接受这份工作。
`考虑到` (Considering) fits perfectly here to show the reason (high salary) for the decision.
Complete the sentence regarding a travel plan.
___ 这里的风景很美，我们多住一天吧。
You are weighing the beautiful scenery as a reason to stay longer.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
The Logical Spectrum
Talking to family about dinner.
想了想 (Xiǎngle xiǎng)
The sweet spot for everyday logic.
考虑到 (Kǎolǜ dào)
Official reports or legal documents.
鉴于 (Jiànyú)
Where to use 考虑到
Work Meeting
Budget issues
Travel Planning
Weather/Traffic
Softening a 'No'
Declining an invite
Giving Advice
Health or Study
Practice Bank
2 exercises___ 工资很高，他决定接受这份工作。
`考虑到` (Considering) fits perfectly here to show the reason (high salary) for the decision.
___ 这里的风景很美，我们多住一天吧。
You are weighing the beautiful scenery as a reason to stay longer.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! You can use it for positive things too, like 考虑到你表现很好，我们要给你加薪 (Considering you performed well, we are giving you a raise).
Usually, no. It almost always comes before the factor you are considering. It acts like a signpost for what follows.
因为 (because) is a direct cause. 考虑到 is more about the mental process of weighing options. Use 考虑到 to sound more deliberate.
It is perfectly fine for texting, especially when discussing plans or explaining a situation to a friend.
考虑 is the verb 'to think about.' 考虑到 is the specific expression meaning 'taking into account.' You need the 到 to link it to a specific fact.
Yes, it is a very common transition phrase in B1-B2 level writing to introduce arguments.
You can say 考虑到 A 和 B.... Just keep them concise so the sentence doesn't become a tongue-twister.
It can if used poorly, but generally, it sounds like you are being realistic about constraints like time or money.
Not really a 'slang' version, but in very casual speech, people might just say 看在...的份上 (kàn zài... de fèn shàng) which is more like 'for the sake of...'
It is fourth tone (dào). Make sure to emphasize it slightly to show you've reached a conclusion based on the factor.
Related Phrases
鉴于
In light of (very formal)
由于
Due to / Owing to
想来想去
Thinking it over and over
顾及
To take into account / To care for
