Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Reconsider" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "reconsider", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
思いとどまる
おもいとどまる (omoitodomaru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
思い返す
おもいかえす (omoikaesu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "reconsider" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 思いとどまる and 思い返す.
In Japanese, 思いとどまる (おもいとどまる (omoitodomaru)) is typically associated with "to reconsider and stop; to think better of it; to restrain oneself from doing something" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies a decision to stop or not proceed with an action one was considering, often due to a change of mind, reflection, or external influence. It means to hold back at the last minute..
On the other hand, 思い返す (おもいかえす (omoikaesu)) maps to "to reconsider, to think back on, to change one's mind" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often implies a re-evaluation of a past decision or thought.. A literal translation of "reconsider" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "思いとどまる"
彼は会社を辞めようとしたが、思いとどまった。
He was about to quit the company, but he thought better of it.
Bilingual Context for "思い返す"
彼の言葉を思い返してみた。
I reconsidered his words.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は会社を辞めようとしたが、思いとどまった。" (Meaning: "He was about to quit the company, but he thought better of it.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "思いとどまる" fits here because it means "to reconsider and stop; to think better of it; to restrain oneself from doing something" in the context of: "He was about to quit the company, but he thought better of it.". "思い返す" represents "to reconsider, to think back on, to change one's mind".