Lost in Translation: When Kentou Shimasu (“We’ll Consider It”) Actually Means “Probably Not”

Introduction

There is one phrase that gives me anxiety every time I hear it in an international meeting:

「検討します。」 (Kentou shimasu.)
“We’ll consider it.”

Because I know exactly what is about to happen.

In this article, I’ll share a meeting where this phrase sent two teams home with opposite conclusions, explain what kentou shimasu really means, and show how to tell a genuine “we’ll think about it” from a polite “no.”

1. The Meeting Where Everyone Left Happy (Except Me)

During a product discussion, an overseas team presented a new proposal they were very excited about.

After a long presentation, they turned to the Japanese side.

“What do you think?”

The Japanese manager smiled politely and replied:

「社内で検討します。」(Shanai de kentou shimasu)

I translated:

“We’ll review it internally.”

Everything was correct.

The translation was accurate.

The meeting ended positively.

Everyone seemed happy.

Except me.

Because I knew there was a good chance the two sides had completely different interpretations.

The overseas team left the meeting thinking:

“Great. They’re interested.”

The Japanese team left the meeting thinking:

“That idea is never going to happen.“

A week later, the overseas side asked for an update.

The Japanese side was surprised they were still expecting one.

Nobody had lied.

Nobody had made a mistake.

The phrase simply carried different meanings depending on the cultural context.

That is one of the trickiest parts of interpreting.

Sometimes the translation is perfect, and people still misunderstand each other.

When I heard that the overseas team had asked for an update, I helped the manager put together a slightly awkward email explaining why nothing seemed to be happening.

They took it perfectly well, but reading their reply, I could almost hear the unspoken, “I just wish they’d said that in the first place.”

2. What Does Kentou Shimasu (検討します) Really Mean?

Literally, 検討 (kentou) means “examination” or “consideration,” so kentou shimasu means “We’ll consider it” or “We’ll look into it.”

Sometimes that’s exactly what it means: the team will genuinely review the proposal and come back with an answer.

In business settings, however, kentou shimasu is also one of the most common ways to decline without saying “no.” 

A direct refusal in front of everyone can feel blunt and may damage the relationship, so Japanese speakers often choose a phrase that leaves the door politely open, even when they already know the answer.

The challenge is that both meanings use exactly the same words.

3. Similar Phrases to Watch For

• 考えておきます (kangaete okimasu): “I’ll think about it.” In everyday situations, often a gentle no.
• 持ち帰って検討します (mochikaette kentou shimasu): “We’ll take this back and consider it.” Common when the person in the room can’t decide alone.
• 前向きに検討します (maemuki ni kentou shimasu): “We’ll consider it positively.” Usually more hopeful, but still not a commitment.
• ちょっと難しいかもしれません (chotto muzukashii kamoshiremasen): “That might be a little difficult.” Usually a no.

4. Why Japanese Teams Say “We’ll Consider It”

Two things are often at work.

First, many Japanese companies make decisions through group consensus, so the person in the meeting may not have the authority to say yes or no on the spot.

Second, protecting harmony and the relationship is often prioritized over giving a clear answer immediately.

As I explain in Lost in Translation: What Japanese People Really Mean, the goal usually isn’t deception.

It’s relationship management.

5. How to Tell a Real “Maybe” from a Polite “No”

No single sign is conclusive.

Look at the overall pattern, not the phrase alone.

6. How to Respond When You Hear Kentou Shimasu

1. Ask about next steps. “What would be the next step on your side?” or “When might we expect to hear from you?” A concrete answer is a good sign.
2. Ask what would help. “Is there any additional information that would help your review?” This gives them an easy way to share concerns.
3. Make it easy to say no. “If the timing isn’t right, please feel free to let us know.” Many Japanese counterparts find it easier to be honest when a refusal won’t cause anyone to lose face.
4. Follow up, and read the response. If replies become slow or vague, that may be your answer.

7. For Japanese Learners: Using Kentou Shimasu Yourself

Kentou shimasu and 持ち帰って検討します are useful, polite phrases when you genuinely need time to decide at work. 

Just remember that your Japanese colleagues may hear them as a soft no. 

If you’re really interested, say so with 前向きに検討します (maemuki ni kentou shimasu), or give a timeline: 来週までにお返事します (raishuu made ni ohenji shimasu, “I’ll get back to you by next week”).

8. Final Thoughts

Kentou shimasu isn’t a lie, and it isn’t always a “no.”

It’s a phrase that protects the relationship while leaving room for a decision.

Once you learn to read the signals around it, you’ll understand much more of what your Japanese counterparts are telling you.

This article is part of our series on Japanese communication.

Read the full overview in Lost in Translation: What Japanese People Really Mean, or see how another everyday word causes confusion in Lost in Translation: When Hai (Yes) Doesn’t Mean Yes in Japanese.

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