JLPT N2・N5 Vocabulary -Difference between “思い出す” “思いつく” and “思い浮かぶ”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “思い出す” “思いつく” and “思い浮かぶ”
2. 思い出す
3. 思いつく
4. 思い浮かぶ
5. Let’s Compare
6. Summary
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Q: What is the difference between “思い出す”, “思いつく”, and “思い浮かぶ”?
A: All three share the common feature of something appearing in the mind or heart, but they differ in usage and nuance.
思い出す (JLPT N5)
[Meaning]
When a forgotten event or memory from the past comes back to mind
[Common Subjects]
Things tied to specific memories, such as people, events, places, and names
[Examples]
この料理を食べると、母のことを思い出します。
When I eat this dish, it reminds me of my mother.
旅行中の出来事を思い出して、絵に描きました。
I remembered something that happened during my trip and painted a picture of it.
あ、今日用事があったのを今思い出しました。
Oh, I just remembered that I had something to do today.
It is used when recalling a memory from the past to your mind or heart. It often involves specific memories connected to people, events, or places. The image is one of intentionally bringing back something that was forgotten. There is often a trigger—an object or event—that prompts the memory.
[Examples]
この写真を見ると、若かったころを思い出すよ。
When I look at this photo, it reminds me of when I was young.
あの人、どこかで会ったことがある気がする…。あ、思い出した！A社の山田さんだ！
I feel like I’ve met that person somewhere before… Oh, I remember now! It’s Mr. Yamada from Company A!
A「えっ、ケータイがない！」
B「最後に使った場所をよく思い出してみて！」
A「えーっと…、あっ、思い出した！図書館だ！」
A: “Oh no, my phone is gone!”
B: “Try to remember where you last used it!”
A: “Umm… Oh, I remember! It was at the library!”
思いつく (JLPT N2)
[Meaning]
A thought or idea suddenly comes to mind
[Common Subjects]
Ideas, methods, answers, and other creative or problem-solving content
[Examples]
なかなかいいアイデアが思いつかないな。
I just can’t come up with a good idea.
いい方法を思いついたよ。試してみよう。
I came up with a good method. Let’s give it a try.
テスト中、急に答えが思いついて安心した。
During the test, the answer suddenly came to me and I felt relieved.
It is used when a new thought or idea suddenly comes to mind. The typical subjects are often concrete and creative, such as solutions, clever ideas, or methods. These often lead to problem-solving or a shift in perspective. A key feature is that the idea arises naturally and unintentionally.
[Examples]
いいアイデアを思いついたよ！これなら、この問題を解決できそうだ。
I came up with a great idea! I think this can solve the problem.
なにか思いついたアイデアがあったら、教えてね。
If you come up with any ideas, let me know.
いい方法を思いついて試してみたら、うまくいったよ。
I came up with a good method and tried it out—it worked well.
思い浮かぶ (JLPT N5)
[Meaning]
When a scene, emotion, or memory naturally comes to mind
[Common Subjects]
Sensory or abstract things such as images, scenery, or someone’s face
[Examples]
なぜかふと妻の顔が思い浮かびました。
For some reason, my wife’s face suddenly came to mind.
「日本」と聞いて、何が思い浮かびますか？
When you hear “Japan,” what comes to mind?
この絵を見ると、昔ことが思い浮かびます。
When I look at this painting, old memories come back to me.
It is used when scenes, emotions, or memories suddenly come to mind. The typical subjects are abstract and sensory things such as images, scenery, people’s faces, or feelings. Compared to “思い出す” (to recall), it often conveys a more vague or blurry impression.
[Examples]
このオレンジ色を見ると、海辺の夕陽が思い浮かびます。
When I see this shade of orange, a sunset by the seaside comes to mind.
この曲を聞いていると、あのときの悲しい気持ちが思い浮かんできます。
Listening to this song brings back the sad feelings I had at that time.
子供たちの笑顔を思い浮かべると、「よし、がんばろう」と思えるんです。
When I picture the children’s smiling faces, I feel motivated to do my best.
Let’s Compare
Which of the following is most appropriate in each situation?
[Example ①]
会議で新しい企画について話しているとき、急にいいアイデアを____。
①思い出した ②思いついた ③思い浮かんだ
⇒ The correct answer is ②.
In this situation, a “new idea came to mind,” so “思いついた” (came to mind) is the most natural choice.
[Example ②]
この写真を見ると、学生時代の友だちの笑顔が____。
①思い出す ②思いつく ③思い浮かぶ
⇒ The correct answer is ③.
Because the photo triggers a vague image or scene to appear in your mind, “思い浮かぶ” (floats up in the mind) is the most appropriate.
[Example ③]
財布を忘れた理由を聞かれて、やっと駅のベンチに置いたのを____。
①思い出した ②思いついた ③思い浮かんだ
⇒ The correct answer is ①.
This is a situation where a past memory resurfaces, so “思い出した” (remembered) fits best.
Summary
| Usage | Common Subjects | Difference from Other Expression | |
| 思い出す | Used when recalling a forgotten memory from the past to your heart or mind | People, events, places, names, etc. | ・Consciously bring back something that was once forgotten ・Often triggered by something |
| 思いつく | Used when a new idea or thought suddenly comes to mind | New and concrete things like ideas or methods | Refers to creative or problem-solving thoughts that appear unintentionally |
| 思い浮かぶ | Expresses scenes, feelings, or memories that naturally come to mind | Abstract or sensory things like memories, scenes, or someone’s face | Compared to “思い出す,” the impression is vaguer and less vivid |
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