Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== kǎolǜ: 考虑 - To Consider, To Think Over ====== ===== Quick Summary ===== * **Keywords:** kaolu, 考虑, consider in Chinese, think over in Chinese, Chinese verb to consider, kaolu meaning, HSK 3 vocabulary, 考虑 vs 想, Chinese for making decisions, how to use kaolu * **Summary:** Learn the essential Chinese verb **考虑 (kǎolǜ)**, which means "to consider" or "to think over." This page provides a deep dive into its meaning, cultural significance, and practical usage. Discover how **考虑 (kǎolǜ)** is different from a simple thought (想, xiǎng) and how it reflects a careful, deliberate approach to decision-making in Chinese culture, from business negotiations to personal life choices. With 10 practical example sentences, you'll master how to use this crucial HSK 3 word to sound more thoughtful and fluent. ===== Core Meaning ===== * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** kǎolǜ * **Part of Speech:** Verb * **HSK Level:** HSK 3 * **Concise Definition:** To consider; to think over; to take into account. * **In a Nutshell:** **考虑 (kǎolǜ)** is the word you use when you're not just having a fleeting thought, but actively deliberating on a matter. It implies a process of weighing pros and cons, thinking about consequences, and making a reasoned judgment. It's about careful, serious thought, not just a spontaneous idea. ===== Character Breakdown ===== * **考 (kǎo):** This character's core meaning is "to test" or "to examine." Think of an exam (考试, kǎoshì). It suggests a process of scrutiny and evaluation. * **虑 (lǜ):** This character relates to "deep thought," "concern," or "anxiety." It implies thinking carefully about potential future problems or outcomes. * The two characters combine to mean "to examine and think deeply about something," which perfectly captures the essence of "to consider." You are essentially putting a problem or decision "to the test" in your mind. ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== In Chinese culture, making important decisions often involves a greater degree of deliberation and consultation than is typical in some Western cultures. The word **考虑 (kǎolǜ)** is central to this process. It embodies the cultural value of prudence (谨慎, jǐnshèn) and thinking of the long-term consequences, not just for oneself but for one's family or group. This can be contrasted with the American cultural emphasis on "going with your gut" or making a "snap decision." While decisiveness is also valued in China, the process leading up to it is often expected to be more thorough. Asking someone to **考虑 (kǎolǜ)** an issue is a sign of respect; it acknowledges the complexity of the matter and gives them the space to reflect properly. Similarly, saying "我需要考虑一下 (Wǒ xūyào kǎolǜ yīxià)" ("I need to think it over") is a perfectly acceptable, and often expected, response to a significant proposal. It shows you are taking the request seriously. ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== **考虑 (kǎolǜ)** is a common and versatile verb used in both formal and informal contexts, though it always carries a sense of seriousness. * **Business and Professional Settings:** It's used constantly in negotiations, when discussing proposals, or when making hiring decisions. A manager might say, "我们会认真考虑你的建议" (We will seriously consider your proposal). * **Personal Decisions:** For major life choices like choosing a university, buying a house, or getting married, **考虑** is the go-to verb. It signals that this isn't a trivial matter. * **Polite Refusal or Delay:** Saying "我考虑一下 (Wǒ kǎolǜ yīxià)" is a very common and polite way to delay giving an answer, and can sometimes be a soft "no." It avoids direct confrontation and gives the other person "face." ===== Example Sentences ===== * **Example 1:** * 这件事很重要，我需要时间**考虑**一下。 * Pinyin: Zhè jiàn shì hěn zhòngyào, wǒ xūyào shíjiān **kǎolǜ** yīxià. * English: This matter is very important, I need some time to think it over. * Analysis: A classic and polite phrase used to request time before making a decision. The "一下 (yīxià)" softens the tone. * **Example 2:** * 你有没有**考虑**过出国留学？ * Pinyin: Nǐ yǒu méiyǒu **kǎolǜ**guò chūguó liúxué? * English: Have you ever considered studying abroad? * Analysis: The "过 (guò)" suffix indicates a past experience. This question asks about a significant life choice, making **考虑** the perfect verb. * **Example 3:** * 我们正在**考虑**买一辆新车。 * Pinyin: Wǒmen zhèngzài **kǎolǜ** mǎi yī liàng xīn chē. * English: We are currently considering buying a new car. * Analysis: "正在 (zhèngzài)" indicates the action is in progress. Buying a car is a major purchase that requires deliberation, hence **考虑**. * **Example 4:** * 请**考虑**我的申请，谢谢！ * Pinyin: Qǐng **kǎolǜ** wǒ de shēnqǐng, xièxiè! * English: Please consider my application, thank you! * Analysis: This is a formal and polite request, often used in written communication like cover letters or application forms. * **Example 5:** * 他做事从来不**考虑**后果。 * Pinyin: Tā zuòshì cónglái bù **kǎolǜ** hòuguǒ. * English: He never considers the consequences when he does things. * Analysis: This is a criticism. It implies the person is reckless or impulsive. "后果 (hòuguǒ)" means "consequences." * **Example 6:** * 作为父母，你必须**考虑**孩子的未来。 * Pinyin: Zuòwéi fùmǔ, nǐ bìxū **kǎolǜ** háizi de wèilái. * English: As a parent, you must consider your child's future. * Analysis: This sentence expresses a sense of duty or obligation. "必须 (bìxū)" means "must," emphasizing the seriousness of the consideration. * **Example 7:** * 老板说他会**考虑**给我加薪。 * Pinyin: Lǎobǎn shuō tā huì **kǎolǜ** gěi wǒ jiāxīn. * English: The boss said he would consider giving me a raise. * Analysis: In this context, "会考虑 (huì kǎolǜ)" is a non-committal promise. It's hopeful, but not a guarantee. * **Example 8:** * 你应该多**考虑**一下别人的感受。 * Pinyin: Nǐ yīnggāi duō **kǎolǜ** yīxià biérén de gǎnshòu. * English: You should consider other people's feelings more. * Analysis: This is a piece of advice or a gentle criticism, suggesting someone is being selfish or thoughtless. * **Example 9:** * 经过仔细**考虑**，我决定接受这份工作。 * Pinyin: Jīngguò zǐxì **kǎolǜ**, wǒ juédìng jiēshòu zhè fèn gōngzuò. * English: After careful consideration, I have decided to accept this job. * Analysis: "经过仔细考虑 (jīngguò zǐxì kǎolǜ)" is a formal phrase meaning "after careful consideration." It emphasizes that the decision was not made lightly. * **Example 10:** * 这个计划有很多方面需要**考虑**。 * Pinyin: Zhège jìhuà yǒu hěnduō fāngmiàn xūyào **kǎolǜ**. * English: This plan has many aspects that need to be considered. * Analysis: Here, **考虑** is used to highlight the complexity of a situation. "方面 (fāngmiàn)" means "aspects." ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== The most common mistake for learners is confusing **考虑 (kǎolǜ)** with **想 (xiǎng)**. * **考虑 (kǎolǜ) vs. 想 (xiǎng):** * **想 (xiǎng)** is broad. It can mean "to think" (a general mental activity), "to want to," or "to miss someone." It's often spontaneous and less formal. * **考虑 (kǎolǜ)** is specific. It means "to consider," "to deliberate," or "to take into account." It implies a structured, serious thought process about a specific issue or decision. * **Incorrect Usage Example:** * **Wrong:** 我**考虑**你。 (Wǒ kǎolǜ nǐ.) * **Why it's wrong:** This literally means "I am deliberating about you," which sounds strange and almost clinical. If you mean "I miss you," you must use **想 (xiǎng)**. * **Correct:** 我想你。 (Wǒ xiǎng nǐ.) * **Incorrect Usage Example 2:** * **Wrong:** 我在**考虑**今天晚饭吃什么。 (Wǒ zài kǎolǜ jīntiān wǎnfàn chī shénme.) * **Why it's wrong:** While not grammatically a disaster, this sounds overly formal and serious for a simple decision like dinner. It's like saying "I am deliberating upon the matter of tonight's supper." * **More Natural:** 我在想今天晚饭吃什么。 (Wǒ zài xiǎng jīntiān wǎnfàn chī shénme.) Rule of thumb: If "deliberate" or "take into account" fits, use **考虑 (kǎolǜ)**. If "think," "want," or "miss" fits, use **想 (xiǎng)**. ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== * [[sixiang|思考]] (sīkǎo) - To think deeply; to ponder. More abstract and philosophical than **考虑**. **考虑** is usually tied to a specific decision, while **思考** can be about an idea or problem. * [[jueding|决定]] (juédìng) - To decide; a decision. This is the //result// of **考虑**. You **考虑** first, then you **决定**. * [[shangliang|商量]] (shāngliang) - To discuss; to consult. This is often part of the **考虑** process, where you talk with others to get their input. * [[xiangfa|想法]] (xiǎngfǎ) - Idea; opinion. A product of the simpler verb 想 (xiǎng). It's a single thought, not the whole process of consideration. * [[yanjiu|研究]] (yánjiū) - To research; to study. Can be used informally to mean "think it over" (我研究一下), but implies a more in-depth, fact-finding process than **考虑**. * [[gulv|顾虑]] (gùlǜ) - A concern; a misgiving. This is a specific negative point you might have during the process of **考虑**. * [[zhoudao|周到]] (zhōudào) - Thoughtful; considerate. Describes someone whose actions show they have **考虑**-ed things carefully from all angles (考虑得很周到).