Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Expectation" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "expectation", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
予想
よそう (yosou)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
予期
よき (yoki)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "expectation" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 予想 and 予期.
In Japanese, 予想 (よそう (yosou)) is typically associated with "expectation; prediction; forecast; estimation" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to predicting future system performance, forecasting market demands, or estimating development costs based on data. Often used as 予想が当たる or 予想を立てる. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Prediction/forecast! "My prediction is that we will be holding hands on our way home tonight, Haruka-san!" ...っ! P-Predicting holding hands! B-Baka! Don't treat my physical contact like weather forecasting! But... since your prediction is correct, I suppose... I will let you hold my hand right now! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『よそう（予想）よ！『ハルカ部長、二人の将来のウエディング挙式で、あなたが幸せのあまり感動の涙を流す確率、僕の予想では100%（確実）です！』って…っ！涙の確率予想！バカ！/// 私が泣くのをそんなに楽しみに予想しないの！…でも、その幸せな涙の瞬間、あんたも隣で世界一幸せそうな涙を流して、一生の誓いとしなさい！』.
On the other hand, 予期 (よき (yoki)) maps to "expectation, forecast, anticipation" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to expecting something to happen, often in a neutral or slightly negative sense, unlike 期待. A literal translation of "expectation" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "予想"
マーケティング部門の高度なデータ分析の結果、次世代AIデバイスの来期の需要は、当初の_______を大幅に上回ることが確実視されています。
As a result of the advanced data analysis by the marketing department, it is viewed as certain that the demand for the next-generation AI device in the next term will significantly exceed the initial expectation.
Bilingual Context for "予期"
予期せぬ出来事が次々と起こった。
Unexpected events occurred one after another.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "マーケティング部門の高度なデータ分析の結果、次世代AIデバイスの来期の需要は、当初の_______を大幅に上回ることが確実視されています。" (Meaning: "As a result of the advanced data analysis by the marketing department, it is viewed as certain that the demand for the next-generation AI device in the next term will significantly exceed the initial expectation.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "予想" fits here because it means "expectation; prediction; forecast; estimation" in the context of: "As a result of the advanced data analysis by the marketing department, it is viewed as certain that the demand for the next-generation AI device in the next term will significantly exceed the initial expectation.". "予期" represents "expectation, forecast, anticipation".