# 深思熟虑

shēn sī shú lǜ

Consider something thoroughly

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Think deeply and deliberate fully

**Traditional Chinese:** 深思熟慮

**Register:** Positive · conversational

[Choices & judgment](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/decisions)

## When to use it

Use for a carefully weighed decision.

It describes thorough thought, not endless indecision.

## Behind the words

The expression combines depth of thought with mature deliberation. Historical prose uses it to distinguish considered choices from quick impulses.

The two parts reinforce depth and maturity of thought. The expression describes deliberation already undertaken or a way of considering a complex question. It is stronger than a quick check. Unlike 三思而行, which often gives advice before action, 深思熟虑 commonly characterizes the thinking behind a completed decision.

## Examples

这是我深思熟虑后的决定。

### Traditional Chinese

這是我深思熟慮後的決定。

zhè shì wǒ shēn sī shú lǜ hòu de jué dìng 。

This is a decision I made after careful consideration.

经过深思熟虑，她决定接受这份工作。

### Traditional Chinese

經過深思熟慮，她決定接受這份工作。

jīng guò shēn sī shú lǜ ， tā jué dìng jiē shòu zhè fèn gōng zuò 。

After thorough consideration, she decided to accept the job.

这是团队深思熟虑后的方案。

### Traditional Chinese

這是團隊深思熟慮後的方案。

zhè shì tuán duì shēn sī shú lǜ hòu de fāng àn 。

This plan is the result of the team's careful deliberation.

他没有立即回答，而是先深思熟虑。

### Traditional Chinese

他沒有立即回答，而是先深思熟慮。

tā méi yǒu lì jí huí dá ， ér shì xiān shēn sī shú lǜ 。

He considered the matter thoroughly before answering.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 4, 2026.

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=1367&q=1&webMd=1&la=0)

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E6%B7%B1%E6%80%9D%E7%86%9F%E6%85%AE)

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