🦅 Project Eagle
synonym Comparative
思い返す
VS
思いをはせる

Differences Between "思い返す" and "思いをはせる"

Option A
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.
Option B
思いをはせる
Meaning
to think of, to ponder, to long for, to let one's thoughts wander to
Reading
おもいをはせる (omoi o haseru)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
故郷に思いをはせる。
I let my thoughts wander to my hometown (longing for it).

Which one to use?

Select the correct Japanese word for this context

Which word fits this context: "(to reconsider, to think back on, to change one's mind)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 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)
- 思いをはせる: Often used for thinking about distant places, people, or the past/future, sometimes with a sense of nostalgia or longing. (遠く離れた場所や人、あるいは過去や未来について、郷愁や憧れを込めて思考を巡らせる際に使われる)
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