omou

for some reason this didn't get posted before... so I'll try again.

What's the difference between 思う　and 想う? They mean the same thing (and give the same meaning in my dictionary) but 想う is used differently I think.

My dictionary says "想う" means to imagine the image in your mind and "思う" is used more generally.
For example, "幼少のころを想う", "想う人はもういない"
And you can use "思う" instead of "想う"

And I think "想う" often means to fall in love with someone or to yearn for someone/something.

A kanji is not just a word but a whole idea.

想 includes meaning of supposition, imagination, unreal, illusion, dream...

思 includes reflexion, belief, knowledge, intention, remembrance, something you're be sure about...

http://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quereadisplay.html?0+48634

You can use "思う" for "think" always.
"想う" is not often used, so you better not use it.

Aside from that, let's talk about how to use "想う".
Even for Japanese, they are not sure.
That means we can't rely on dictionaries.
Because languages are living.
Native speakers are correct, but not dictionaries.

In my opinion, "想う" is used when the objective of "想う" is so far.
So it's often used for one's past.
It also can be used for a person who lives so far away from the one.

What is most important is that "想う" can be replaced by "思う".
Of course, not vice versa.