kǎolǜ: 考虑 - To Consider, To Think Over

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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 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 kǎolǜguò 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.”

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).

• 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.
• 决定 (juédìng) - To decide; a decision. This is the result of 考虑. You 考虑 first, then you 决定.
• 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.
• 想法 (xiǎngfǎ) - Idea; opinion. A product of the simpler verb 想 (xiǎng). It's a single thought, not the whole process of consideration.
• 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.
• 顾虑 (gùlǜ) - A concern; a misgiving. This is a specific negative point you might have during the process of 考虑.
• 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).