think

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 思 has 9 strokes, the on-reading し, and the kun-reading おもう. 思う (おもう) means to think, while 思考 (しこう) means thought or thinking.
• Basic usage: 思う expresses the content of a thought, such as an expectation or wish; 思考 concerns the process or flow of thought.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A thought's content and the thinking process
  • 晴れると思う means to think it will be sunny. 助けたいと思った expresses having the thought or wish to help.
  • 冷静な思考 means calm thinking. 思考の流れを整理しました means organized the flow of one's thoughts.