think of vs think about

[jctgf]

hi there,
what's the difference between these expressions, please?
I think of you.
I think about you.
I dream of Genny.
I dream about Genny.
thanks.

[riverkid]

Originally Posted by jctgf

hi there,
what's the difference between these expressions, please?
I think of you.
I think about you.
I dream of Genny.
I dream about Genny.
thanks.

'of' is less involved, the thoughts could be fleeting whereas 'about' signals that the subject spends more time, the thoughts are longer and more involved.

[jctgf]

thanks.
so, they have basically the same meaning except for how deep or how shallow the thought/dream is?
if I address a beloved person, "about" would be more appropriated, please?
thanks.

[riverkid]

Originally Posted by jctgf

thanks.
so, they have basically the same meaning except for how deep or how shallow the thought/dream is?
if I address a beloved person, "about" would be more appropriate[d], would it? [please]
thanks.

It depends on who the beloved person is and how much you want to reveal, JC.

If it's a potential girlfriend and the relationship is quite new, you might frighten some by telling them you think about them often. Or it might move the relationship on to a new level much quicker.

If it's a close relative, then it probably isn't so crucial. Like all language, what one intends may not always be what the other understands.

Ciao.