思えば (eba)

Meaning & usage

思えば comes from the verb 思う and works in two patterns seen here: after a noun with を (夏を思えば) it means whenever one thinks of that thing, and after a volitional form plus と (成功しようと思えば) it means if one wants or intends to do something. It carries a reflective, somewhat formal tone.

Example sentences 8

1. あなたは自分じぶんで眠ねむろうと思おもえば眠ねむることができますか。

   Can you will yourself to fall asleep?

2. 成功しようと思えば一生懸命働かなければならない。

   You must work hard if you are to succeed.

3. 私は夏を思えば、かならず子どものころを思い出す。

   I never think of summer without thinking of my childhood.

4. 成長しようと思えば、困難を回避してはいけない。

   If one wants to grow, one must not avoid hardships.

5. 「荷物重いよう」「筋トレだと思えばいいさ」

   "Man, this luggage is heavy!" "Just think of it as weight training."

6. 君のためを思えばこそこう言ってるんだ。

   It is precisely because I have your best interests at heart that I am saying this.

7. 君たちはやろうと思えばできるんだよ。

   You guys can do it if you try.

8. トムはそこへ行こうと思えば行ける。

   Tom can go there if he wants to.