思考 (sīkǎo)

思考 means to think carefully or reflect on something -- it implies a deliberate, focused mental effort rather than casual thought.

Meanings

[verb] to think (carefully); to ponder; to reflect on
[noun] thought; reflection; consideration

Example Sentences

请认真思考这个问题。 Qǐng rènzhēn sīkǎo zhège wèntí. Please think carefully about this question.

他深思考了很久才做出决定。 Tā shēn sīkǎole hěn jiǔ cái zuòchū juédìng. He pondered for a long time before making a decision.

这个问题值得我们思考。 Zhège wèntí zhídé wǒmen sīkǎo. This question is worth our reflection.

她喜欢在安静的地方思考。 Tā xǐhuān zài ānjìng de dìfāng sīkǎo. She likes to think in quiet places.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
认真思考	to think carefully
深入思考	to think deeply
独立思考	to think independently
引发思考	to provoke thought

Usage Notes

思考 implies more depth and effort than 想 (xiǎng = to think/want). Use 思考 when describing serious reflection, problem-solving, or intellectual effort. It is commonly used in academic, professional, and educational settings. The phrase 引发思考 (to provoke thought) is frequently used in essays and presentations.

Memory Hook

SI (思 = think) + KAO (考 = examine/test): examining your thoughts carefully -- that is deep thinking.