Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To think again / to reconsider: To reconsider a previous decision, opinion, or stance after further reflection.
   • To have second thoughts: To begin to doubt a previous decision or plan, often leading to a change of mind.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Tôi đã nghĩ lại và quyết định nhận trách nhiệm đó. (I thought better of it and decided to take on that responsibility.)
  • Cô ấy nói sẽ đi, nhưng có lẽ cô ấy nên nghĩ lại. (She said she would go, but perhaps she should have second thoughts.)
  • Sau khi nghe lời khuyên, anh ấy đã nghĩ lại về kế hoạch của mình. (After hearing the advice, he reconsidered his plan.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often implies a change of mind that leads to a more prudent, responsible, or different course of action than initially intended.
• It can be used in persuasive contexts: (Think again! / You should reconsider!)

Variants and Related Words

• Suy nghĩ lại (verb phrase): A slightly more formal or emphatic synonym meaning "to reconsider" or "to rethink."
  • Anh ta cần thời gian để suy nghĩ lại. (He needs time to rethink.)

Synonyms

• Reconsider: To think about something again, typically with a possible change of mind.
• Rethink: To consider or assess something again, especially with a view to changing it.
• Have second thoughts: To begin to doubt a decision you have made.

Related Idioms

• While "nghĩ lại" itself is a common phrase, it is a core component in expressions like:
  • Nghĩ đi nghĩ lại: To think over and over, to ponder deeply.

    • Tôi đã nghĩ đi nghĩ lại về lời đề nghị của anh. (I thought over and over about your proposal.)

1. Think better of (something), have second thoughts
   • Tôi đã nghĩ lại và quết định nhận trách nhiệm đó
     I have had second thoughts, so I shall take on that responsibility; I have thought better of my refusal, I shall take on that responsibility