念頭

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 念頭 is read as ねんとう and is a noun for a consideration consciously kept in mind while making a decision or taking action.
• Basic usage: It commonly appears in the fixed pattern 念頭に置く, as in keeping safety or a budget limit in mind.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A conventional combination
  • The central expression is 念頭に置く; the noun is rarely used as an ordinary physical location.
• Difference from 記憶
  • 記憶 concerns remembered information, while 念頭に置く means actively considering something during a process.