Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Expectation" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "expectation", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
期待
きたい (kitai)
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 期待 and 予期.
In Japanese, 期待 (きたい (kitai)) is typically associated with "expectation; anticipation; hope" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to having high expectations, anticipation, or hopes for someone's success or an outcome. Can be used with する as a verb.
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 "期待"
新入社員の活躍に、会社全体が期待しています。
The entire company has high expectations for the active performance of the new employees.
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: "新入社員の活躍に、会社全体が ＿＿＿ しています。" (Meaning: "The entire company has high expectations for the active performance of the new employees.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "期待" fits here because it means "expectation; anticipation; hope" in the context of: "The entire company has high expectations for the active performance of the new employees.". "予期" represents "expectation, forecast, anticipation".