Meaning
to consider; to examine; to look into; to study (an option)
Nuance & Usage
検討する means to examine something carefully and consider it from various angles before deciding. 提案を検討する (to examine a proposal), 検討中 (under consideration), 前向きに検討する (to consider positively/actively), 慎重に検討する (to consider carefully) are all common in business Japanese. 検討の余地がある (there is room for consideration) and 要検討 (needs further examination) appear in reports and meetings. In business culture, 検討します is often a soft deferral that doesn't mean a definite yes — similar to 遠慮 in some contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 検討する with 考える (kangaeru — to think about), 考慮する (kouryo suru — to take into consideration), and 議論する (giron suru — to discuss/debate). 検討する is specifically about thorough examination of options before a decision. In business Japanese, 検討します (I will consider it) is frequently a polite non-commitment — don't assume it means "yes." 前向きに検討いたします is a common phrase meaning "we'll look into it favorably."
Example Sentences
ご提案の内容を検討した上で、来週中に回答いたします。
ごていあんのないようをけんとうしたうえで、らいしゅうちゅうにかいとういたします。
After examining the contents of your proposal, we will reply by next week.
海外移住については、まだ検討中です。
かいがいいじゅうについては、まだけんとうちゅうです。
I'm still considering moving overseas.
新しい採用方針について、慎重に検討する必要がある。
あたらしいさいようほうしんについて、しんちょうにけんとうするひつようがある。
We need to carefully examine the new hiring policy.
Quick Quiz
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