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March 24, 2026
考虑(考慮)kǎolǜ(kao3lv4)
The verb 考虑 (kǎo lǜ) means to think over or to consider something carefully. It is commonly used in contexts where one weighs options or reflects on decisions, often implying a thoughtful and thorough evaluation of factors involved.
Strokes16Frequency#537DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the act of 考虑 is often emphasized in decision-making processes, reflecting a value placed on careful thought before taking action, especially in business or family matters.
Memory Tip
Imagine a student (考) sitting at a desk, pondering over a crucial decision (虑) with a big question mark above their head. The combination of '考' (to test) and '虑' (to worry or ponder) can help you visualize the process of considering or testing your thoughts.
Meanings of 考虑
kǎolǜ(kao3lv4)
primary
1to think over
2to consider
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About 考虑
考虑Simplified
考慮Traditional
16Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#537Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 考虑
Podcast: 考虑
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AI Study Notes for 考虑
Quick Contrast
考虑 (kǎo lǜ) vs 思考 (sī kǎo) — use 考虑 when emphasizing careful consideration of options rather than just the act of thinking.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 考虑 with other similar verbs like 思考 (sī kǎo) which means to think deeply. 考虑 tends to be used in more formal contexts, so it’s important to recognize when to use it appropriately in conversations or writing.
HSK Study Tips
As a level 4 HSK word, 考虑 connects well with other verbs related to thinking and decision-making, such as 思考 (sī kǎo) and 决定 (jué dìng). Focus on using it in sentences that involve personal decisions or weighing options.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 考虑 with 决定 (jué dìng), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我决定了这个问题' (wǒ juédìngle zhège wèntí) when they mean '我考虑了这个问题' (wǒ kǎolǜle zhège wèntí) can lead to misunderstanding.
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Pronunciation of 考虑
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The verb 考虑 (kǎo lǜ) means to think over or to consider something carefully. It is commonly used in contexts where one weighs options or reflects on decisions, often implying a thoughtful and thorough evaluation of factors involved.
When to use 考虑
Learners often confuse 考虑 with other similar verbs like 思考 (sī kǎo) which means to think deeply. 考虑 tends to be used in more formal contexts, so it’s important to recognize when to use it appropriately in conversations or writing.
考虑 or something close to it
考虑 (kǎo lǜ) vs 思考 (sī kǎo) — use 考虑 when emphasizing careful consideration of options rather than just the act of thinking.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes confuse 考虑 with 决定 (jué dìng), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我决定了这个问题' (wǒ juédìngle zhège wèntí) when they mean '我考虑了这个问题' (wǒ kǎolǜle zhège wèntí) can lead to misunderstanding.
Write 考虑
考
虑
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Grammar Patterns of 考虑
考虑 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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Cultural Notes for 考虑
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, decision-making may be more spontaneous, while in Chinese culture, there is often a greater emphasis on careful consideration and consultation with others.
Frequently Asked Questions about 考虑
No, 考虑 implies a thoughtful process, so it's not suitable for quick decisions.
Yes, but it is more commonly used in formal contexts.
考虑 focuses on considering options or decisions, while 思考 emphasizes deep thinking or reflection.
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