An information retrieval apparatus includes a display unit which displays a first display menu showing a plurality of estimated meaning items and a second display menu showing a plurality of retrieval target items corresponding to the meaning items selected on the first display menu. A log storage unit stores a selection log on the first and second display menus. An estimation unit estimates a retrieval target item selection tendency from the selection log. A ranking unit ranks the plurality of retrieval target items on the basis of the selection tendency. The display unit displays a plurality of retrieval target items on the second display menu upon arranging them in accordance with ranking.