Level 2

생각하다

No base JSON record found for this token.

Meaning and Usage

The verb '생각하다' means 'to think' or 'to consider.' It is one of the most common verbs used to express mental activity, opinions, or beliefs in Korean.

Common Contexts

You can use '생각하다' when expressing your thoughts about a situation, making judgments, or reflecting on something. It often appears in everyday conversations, formal discussions, and written texts.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 생각하다 + ~에 대해: to think about something (topic or issue)
  • ~라고 생각하다: to think that ~ (expressing an opinion or belief)
  • 생각보다: more than expected (used to compare actual experience with prior thought)

Register and Politeness

'생각하다' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Politeness is adjusted by verb endings (e.g., 생각해요, 생각합니다).

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse '생각하다' with '생기다' (to occur or to happen). Remember, '생각하다' is about thinking or considering, not about something appearing or happening.

Example Sentences

나는 그 문제에 대해 깊이 생각했다.

Naneun geu munje-e daehae gip-i saenggakhaetda.

I thought deeply about that problem.

내일 날씨가 좋을 거라고 생각해요.

Naeil nalssiga joheul georago saenggakhaeyo.

I think the weather will be good tomorrow.

생각보다 일이 더 어려웠어요.

Saenggakboda iri deo eoryeowosseoyo.

It was harder than I thought.