Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Think" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "think", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
思います
おもいます (omoimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
思う
おもう (omou)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "think" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 思います and 思う.
In Japanese, 思います (おもいます (omoimasu)) is typically associated with "to think" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Verb, polite form. Used to express one's thoughts, opinions, or beliefs. Often followed by と. The dictionary form is 思う.
On the other hand, 思う (おもう (omou)) maps to "to think, to feel" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents This verb is used to express one's thoughts, opinions, or feelings. It often translates to 'I think that...' or 'I feel...'. It can also mean 'to believe' or 'to suppose'. The polite form is 思います. A literal translation of "think" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "思います"
これはいい本だと思います。
I think this is a good book.
Bilingual Context for "思う"
私は日本語は面白いと思います。
I think Japanese is interesting.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "これはいい本だと ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "I think this is a good book.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "思います" fits here because it means "to think" in the context of: "I think this is a good book.". "思う" represents "to think, to feel".