think

penser, croire

Croire que quelque chose est vrai ou probable, sans en être forcément sûr.

En anglais simple : To believe that something is true or likely, even if you are not certain.

• I think she is tired.
• Do you think it will rain?
• We thought the shop was closed.

Comment l'utiliser : think (that)… (I think we need a bigger table.); think someone/something is… (She thinks the answer is wrong.)

Synonymes : believe, suppose, reckon

Expressions courantes : think so, think something is, think that

réfléchir, penser

Réfléchir à quelque chose pour l’examiner ou essayer de le comprendre.

En anglais simple : To use your mind to consider something or try to understand it.

• Let me think.
• She thought carefully about the problem.
• What are you thinking about?

Comment l'utiliser : think about someone/something (I need to think about your offer.); think of someone/something (Try to think of a solution.)

Synonymes : consider, reflect, ponder

Expressions courantes : think about something, think carefully, think things through

penser, se dire

Formuler des mots ou des idées dans sa tête sans les dire à voix haute.

En anglais simple : To form words or ideas in your mind without speaking.

• I thought, “This is easy.”
• She smiled and thought about how lucky she was.
• “Where is everyone?” he was thinking.

Comment l'utiliser : think to oneself (He thought to himself, “I can do this.”)

Synonymes : say to oneself

Expressions courantes : think to yourself, think silently, think these words

penser

S’emploie pour présenter une suggestion ou une demande de façon moins directe.

En anglais simple : Used to make a suggestion or request sound less direct.

• I think we should leave.
• I was thinking we could eat outside.
• Do you think you could help me?

Comment l'utiliser : think we could/should + verb (I think we could try a different route.); Do you think you could + verb? (Do you think you could close the window?)

Expressions courantes : think we could, think you should, think you might

penser à

Se souvenir de faire quelque chose ou en avoir l’idée au moment nécessaire.

En anglais simple : To remember or have the idea to do something when it is needed.

• I didn’t think to ask.
• Did anyone think to bring a map?
• She thought to check the door before leaving.

Comment l'utiliser : think to do something (Nobody thought to turn off the lights.)

Synonymes : remember

Contraires : forget

Expressions courantes : think to ask, think to check, think to bring

réflexion

Court moment consacré à réfléchir avant de décider quoi faire.

En anglais simple : A short period spent considering something before deciding what to do.

• I’ll have a think.
• Have a think about my offer.
• After a good think, she decided to stay.

Comment l'utiliser : have a think about something (Let me have a think about the price.)

Synonymes : reflection, consideration

Expressions courantes : have a think, a good think, think about something, a long think