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synonym Comparative
思い付く
VS
思い返す

Differences Between "思い付く" and "思い返す"

Option A
思い付く
Meaning
to think of, to hit upon, to come up with
Reading
おもいつく (omoi-tsuku)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
新しいビジネスのアイデアを思い付いた。
I came up with a new business idea.
Option B
思い返す
Meaning
to reconsider, to think back on, to change one's mind
Reading
おもいかえす (omoikaesu)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼の言葉を思い返してみた。
I reconsidered his words.

Which one to use?

Select the correct Japanese word for this context

Which word fits this context: "(to think of, to hit upon, to come up with)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 思い付く: Used when an idea, plan, or solution suddenly comes to mind. It's often spontaneous.
- 思い返す: Often implies a re-evaluation of a past decision or thought. (以前の考えや決断を再評価する際に使われる)
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