The kanji 考 (こう) primarily conveys the meaning of "to think," "to consider," "to reflect," or "to examine." It relates to the mental process of deliberation, contemplation, and careful assessment of information or ideas. It often implies a process of weighing options and reaching a conclusion or understanding.

・On-yomi (音読み): コウ ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): かんが(える)

⚫︎思考 (しこう) Translation: thought; consideration; thinking ⚫︎考古学 (こうこがく) Translation: archaeology ⚫︎よく考えてください。(よくかんがえてください) Translation: Please think carefully.

The kanji 考 (こう) is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字). The radical is 耂, which is an abbreviated form of 老 (ろう, old age, or elder). The other part, 丂, represents a sound. Together, they suggest a combination of an "old person" (reflecting experience and wisdom) and "thinking." The character's formation thus implicitly refers to the wisdom and deliberation of an experienced individual. The character 考 has evolved over time, taking on its current form, but the core meaning of contemplation and careful thought has remained consistent.