と思える, と思われる, and とされる | Expressing Indirect Opinions in Japanese

Three ways to express a thought indirectly in Japanese (JLPT N2)

Category: Concepts & Distinctions

How do you say “it is thought that…” in Japanese without sounding overly direct? More specifically, what is the difference between と思える (to omoeru), と思われる (to omowareru), and とされる (to sareru)?

Japanese offers several ways of expressing an opinion indirectly, but they do not all soften a judgment in the same way.

と思える still reveals a personal perception; と思われる turns that perception into a more neutral inference; and とされる, by contrast, presents the content as something already recognized or generally accepted.

These constructions belong to a broader system of expressions that modulate the degree of certainty (or uncertainty). The same principle underlies the use of とは限らない and the marker のか.

At first glance, と思える, と思われる, and とされる may seem very similar constructions, and indeed they are often translated with expressions such as “it seems that”, “it is believed that”, or “it is considered that.”

From the perspective of Japanese, however, the underlying mechanism changes quite significantly: the apparent source of the thought changes, the degree to which the speaker personally commits to the statement changes, and the level of formality changes as well.

Understanding this distinction is particularly useful when reading articles, essays, and academic texts, where Japanese often tends to soften or objectify a judgment rather than state it directly.

In this article, we will therefore examine how と思える, と思われる, and とされる work from the inside, what kind of distance they create between the speaker and the statement, and in which contexts one should be chosen over another in order to express different nuances more precisely.

The table below summarizes their main differences. In the following sections, we will examine the internal mechanism of each structure in order to understand precisely how Japanese modulates the expression of opinion indirectly. Finally, we will compare them side by side to highlight their differences, similarities, and typical contexts of use.

と思える (to omoeru), と思われる (to omowareru), and とされる (to sareru): Three Strategies for Expressing Indirect Opinion

As already mentioned, advanced Japanese offers various ways of expressing a judgment, hypothesis, or opinion in a more indirect or formal manner than the simple と思う (to omou).

Among these are と思える, と思われる, and とされる. Although they are often translated in similar ways, they are by no means interchangeable.

Each of them establishes a different relationship between the subject, the judgment being made, and the source of the information. In other words, they represent three distinct ways of making a thought less explicit, less personal, or seemingly more objective.

〜と思える – Meaning and Semantic Nuances

The construction 「〜と思える」 literally means “(something) can be thought of as ~” and corresponds to expressions such as “it seems that ~” or “it would appear that ~.”

It is the potential form of the verb 思う (“to think”), but in this context it does not indicate an actual ability to think. Rather, it conveys a spontaneous perception or personal impression. In other words, 〜と思える suggests that a particular idea naturally comes to mind: it is equivalent to saying “I can’t help but think that ~.”

Its primary nuance is therefore that of subjective intuition: the speaker expresses a personal feeling that something is a certain way, while implicitly acknowledging that it may be nothing more than an impression.

Typical Usage

〜と思える is used mainly in formal or semi-formal writing, such as essays, opinion pieces, or literary texts, when the writer wishes to present a personal judgment in a nuanced manner.

In contexts such as academic articles or reports, where 〜と思う might sound too direct and subjective, forms such as 〜と思われる or 〜と思える are often preferred in order to soften the statement.

Of the two, 〜と思える is used when the writer intends to emphasize that they are expressing a personal impression rather than a conclusion supported by full certainty.

In everyday spoken Japanese, 〜と思える is not particularly common. It tends to sound more reflective or sophisticated, and is more likely to be heard in formal speeches, lectures, or narrative contexts than in ordinary conversation (where speakers would more naturally use 「〜と思う」 or expressions such as 「〜ように思う／感じる」).

Subjectivity

The degree of subjectivity conveyed by 〜と思える is high.

Someone using this form is effectively saying “it seems to me that ~,” thereby indicating that the statement is a personal evaluation.

For this reason, grammatically, sentences are often constructed as 「私には〜と思える」 (lit. “it seems to me that ~”) rather than 「私は〜と思える」.

The particle には emphasizes that the observation is valid from the speaker’s own perspective.

This construction signals that other people may not necessarily share the same view, but that the conclusion arises naturally for the speaker.

As a result, 〜と思える carries a sense of caution and subjectivity: the speaker is not presenting an objective truth, but rather sharing a feeling or a momentary impression.

Alongside と思える, we may also find 思える preceded by the conjectural expression ように, giving us 「〜ように思える」.

The presence of ように, which can be translated as “as if ~” or “it seems that ~,” adds a stronger sense of immediate impression, perceptual evaluation, and caution than plain と思える.

In other words, the difference between the two forms concerns the degree of conviction or the type of impression the speaker receives from a given situation: と思える tends to operate on the epistemic level (the speaker’s degree of conviction), whereas ように思える places greater emphasis on the phenomenological or perceptual impression itself.

Formality

The use of 〜と思える gives a sentence a moderately formal or, at least, measured tone.

It is characteristic of a neutral-formal register, suitable for writing and for contexts where the speaker wishes to be polite or diplomatic.

Although it does not reach the level of impersonality associated with 「〜と思われる」 or 「〜とされる」, this expression nevertheless has a mitigating function: it softens the force of the assertion, making the statement less categorical.

In practice, 〜と思える is used when the speaker wishes to share an opinion without sounding overly assertive, perhaps inviting the reader or listener to consider a particular perspective rather than imposing it.

In informal situations, using 〜と思える may sound somewhat unusual or overly cautious; in such contexts, native speakers would generally prefer more colloquial expressions such as 「気がする」 or 「んじゃない？」.

Overall, then, と思える is a choice that conveys modesty, subjectivity, and restraint on the part of the speaker.

Examples

犯人はAさんのように思える。

一見簡単だと思える問題が、実は非常に複雑だ。

(In the first example, the use of 「ように思える」 emphasizes the sense of resemblance or vague impression—“as if A were the culprit”—clearly marking the statement as subjective. The second example shows 「〜と思える」 used attributively: “a problem that may seem simple…”. In both cases, the impressions remain unconfirmed.)

〜と思われる – Meaning and Semantic Nuances

The form 〜と思われる can be translated with expressions such as “it is believed that ~”, “it would seem that ~”, or “it is generally thought that ~.”

It is the passive form of the verb 思う, but in this context it serves an objectifying function: it presents a deduction or hypothesis as though it did not originate directly from the speaker, but rather from a natural logical conclusion or a widely held opinion.

In practice, 〜と思われる allows the speaker to formulate a hypothesis while softening their direct responsibility for the claim being made.

In practical terms, it is almost a form of “shifting responsibility” toward a commonly held opinion, which the speaker uses when expressing what they think.

Its core semantic nuance is therefore one of apparent objectivity: the statement sounds more like a reasoned observation than a personal feeling.

For example, 「犯人はAさんだと思われる」 can be interpreted as “it is believed (based on the available evidence) that A is the culprit,” suggesting that the evidence points toward that conclusion.

In short, 〜と思われる expresses a kind of “it would seem that ~” with the tone of an objective analysis or rational assessment.

Typical Usage

This expression is extremely common in formal writing, including academic texts, newspaper articles, and official documents.

In these contexts, 〜と思われる is preferred over 「〜と思う」 because it gives statements a more neutral and authoritative tone.

For example, in a thesis or report, instead of writing 「この結果は正しいと思う」 (which would sound like the author’s personal opinion), it is more appropriate to write 「正しいと思われる」, indicating that the result is considered correct based on the analysis that has been carried out.

In journalism and media language, 〜と思われる is frequently used to report estimates or assumptions without fully taking responsibility for them.

For example, 「この地域では近い将来大地震が起こると思われます」 (“it is believed that a major earthquake will occur in this region in the near future”) attributes the assessment to a broader scientific consensus or to a logical inference.

In spoken language, 〜と思われる is less common, but it may appear in formal speeches or particularly respectful forms of expression.

Subjectivity

As we have seen, the use of 「〜と思われる」 greatly reduces the perception of subjectivity.

The judgment being expressed appears shared or impersonal, rather than belonging to a particular individual.

It is as though the speaker takes a step back: 〜と思われる is equivalent to saying “judging from the facts, it would appear that ~,” suggesting that the conclusion follows logically from the circumstances.

The degree of subjectivity is therefore low: the focus is placed on the object or fact itself, rather than on the speaker’s personal viewpoint.

Ultimately, 〜と思われる is a form that lends an air of objectivity or implicit consensus to a statement.

Formality

〜と思われる is considered a highly formal expression.

Its primary effect is to add authority and caution to what is being said.

In discussion, using 〜と思われる can increase the credibility of a statement, making it sound more grounded in rational deduction than in personal opinion.

For example, in a scientific paper an author might write 「これらの結果から、Xの効果があると思われる」 (“based on these results, there appears to be an X effect”), which is perceived as more objective than 「効果があると思う」.

In polite language, sentences ending in 〜と思われます may also be used to soften a statement toward the listener, particularly when expressing disagreement or a potentially sensitive judgment.

For example, 「それは少し難しいと思われます」 (“that would appear to be somewhat difficult”) sounds more tactful than 「難しいと思います」.

To summarize, 〜と思われる is characterized by a high level of formality and a cautious stance, making it ideal when one wishes to convey emotional distance and a sense of shared logical justification for what is being said.

Examples

犯人はAさんだと思われる。

これは現時点で最良の解決策だと思われる。

(In the first example, 「思われる」 presents the identification of the culprit as a logical deduction or shared opinion rather than a personal conviction. In the second example, the use of 「思われる」 suggests that the solution is considered the best one based on the currently available information, giving the statement a provisional yet authoritative tone.)

〜とされる - Meaning and Semantic Nuances

The expression 〜とされる literally means “to be treated/considered as ~”, but a more natural translation is “to be considered ~” or “to be regarded as ~.”

It is the passive form of 〜とする, used idiomatically to indicate that something is made the object of a particular judgment or classification.

In practice, 〜とされる is equivalent to saying that something is commonly accepted or defined in a certain way.

Typical English translations include impersonal expressions such as “it is considered that ~,” “it is regarded as ~,” “it is believed that ~,” or “it is said that ~” (in the sense of generally accepted knowledge).

The nuance is that of a general or conventional statement: 〜とされる presents the content as a known fact, a definition, or a widely shared opinion, rather than as a discovery or deduction made by the author.

For example, 「彼のやったことは法律違反とされる」 means “what he did is considered a violation of the law,” regardless of what the author personally thinks.

Typical Usage

〜とされる is a form commonly found in formal written Japanese, especially in academic texts, official documents, scientific articles, and more generally whenever the writer wishes to describe a state of affairs that is socially or institutionally recognized.

It is used to present generally accepted theories or established definitions.

In journalism as well, 〜とされる appears when referring to a widely held belief or a rule that is taken for granted.

In legal or bureaucratic documents, sentences using 〜とされる are often employed to express impersonal regulations or provisions.

In spoken language, however, this form is extremely rare, except in very elevated registers (lectures, official speeches, formal presentations) or when referring to a formal concept. In everyday conversation, speakers would be more likely to use 「〜と言われている」 to express “it is said that ~” in informal contexts.

Therefore, 〜とされる is essentially reserved for formal written communication, where it serves to convey impersonality and authority.

Subjectivity

The degree of subjectivity associated with 〜とされる is virtually nonexistent.

Someone who uses this form is not expressing a personal opinion, but rather reporting an evaluation that already exists within society or within authoritative sources.

In other words, 〜とされる creates complete distance between the speaker and the statement being made, since the speaker does not assume direct responsibility for its content.

From the perspective of subjectivity, therefore, 〜とされる represents the highest possible degree of objectification: what is being said (or written) is presented as an external fact, unaffected by individual opinions.

Formality

〜とされる is a highly formal construction.

Its primary effect is to lend authority and universality to a statement.

By using 〜とされる, the speaker or writer presents the sentence as though it were an established observation, almost like an encyclopedia entry or a legal principle.

This is also useful when distancing oneself from potentially controversial claims by attributing them to public opinion or to third-party sources.

In Japanese academic and official writing, this form contributes to the impersonal and objective style that characterizes formal written discourse.

A related form, 〜とされている, is also very common. It is largely equivalent, but places slightly more emphasis on the fact that something “is currently regarded” in a particular way.

In other words, 〜とされている highlights that this evaluation remains valid at the present time.

In many cases, however, the two forms are interchangeable and equally formal.

In conclusion, 〜とされる gives a sentence an objective, declarative, and formal tone, making it unsuitable for casual conversation.

Examples

彼のやったことは法律違反とされる。

この祭りは日本で最も古いものの一つとされる。

Comparison of 「〜と思える」, 「〜と思われる」, and 「〜とされる」

The three expressions examined in this article share certain similarities. For example, all of them allow a statement to be presented in an indirect or softened way. However, they also differ significantly in terms of usage and nuance.

In general, 「〜と思える」 and 「〜と思われる」 are both connected to the verb 思う and convey the idea of “seeming” or “being thought to be ~”, whereas 〜とされる derives from とする and expresses the idea of “being considered” or “being regarded as ~.”

Summary of the Key Differences

Degree of Subjectivity

〜と思える is highly subjective (a personal opinion or impression on the part of the speaker); 〜と思われる is more objective, presenting the idea as a logical deduction or a generally shared view; 〜とされる is completely impersonal, indicating a judgment that has already been established by society, institutions, or some external authority.

Put differently, 思える sounds like “I feel that…”, 思われる like “it is thought that…” or “it would appear that…”, and とされる like “it is considered/defined as…”.

Typical Contexts of Use

〜と思える and 〜と思われる are both found in medium-to-high registers, especially in written language. Both can serve as alternatives to 〜と思う when a more formal tone is desired.

〜と思われる is extremely common in academic and journalistic writing for statements that are presented in an objective manner, whereas 〜と思える is used when the writer wishes to acknowledge a degree of subjectivity, such as in opinion pieces or reflective essays. It is therefore less common in rigorous academic writing, where personal evaluation is generally minimized.

〜とされる is typical of official documents, academic writing, scientific exposition, and definitions. Its natural environment is formal and institutional discourse.

In casual spoken Japanese, none of these three expressions is particularly common. In everyday conversation, speakers would usually avoid both 〜と思える and 〜と思われる in favor of simpler expressions such as 〜と思う, 〜みたい, or 〜気がする, while 〜とされる is virtually absent except when quoting or referring to a formal concept.

Level of Formality

〜と思える carries a medium-to-high degree of formality: it sounds polite and measured, but it still retains a personal voice.

〜と思われる is highly formal and is well suited to professional, academic, and journalistic contexts where neutrality and objectivity are valued.

〜とされる is extremely formal and is generally reserved for academic texts, official documents, and institutional discourse.

From a pragmatic perspective, 思える softens a statement while still allowing the speaker’s personal judgment to remain visible; 思われる makes the statement appear neutral and supported by objective reasoning; とされる elevates it to the level of an accepted definition or established understanding.

Stylistic Nuances

〜と思える often appears in the form 〜ように思える, emphasizing the idea that something “appears as though ~.”

It is also frequently accompanied by 私には when the speaker wishes to make their personal perspective explicit (「私にはそう思える」 – “that is how it seems to me”).

〜と思われる, on the other hand, does not require an explicit subject. By its very nature, 〜と思われる already implies an indefinite subject (“it is thought that ~”).

If necessary, 私には can still be added to indicate that the speaker personally finds the conclusion persuasive, but the expression itself remains fundamentally impersonal.

〜とされる, by contrast, does not allow a personal subject at all. A sentence such as ✕「私には〜とされる」 would be unnatural and grammatically inappropriate.

Conclusion

The choice between 「〜と思える」, 「〜と思われる」, and 「〜とされる」 depends on the degree of formality required and on how personally involved the speaker wishes to appear.

When used correctly, these three expressions enrich the expressive range of advanced Japanese by allowing the speaker or writer to finely adjust the tone, perspective, and level of commitment behind a statement according to the communicative context and pragmatic intent.