Translation guide
The English verb 'anticipate' covers several related ideas: expecting something to happen, looking forward to it, preparing for it in advance, or acting before someone else. Japanese expresses these with different words and patterns depending on the nuance.
To think that something will probably happen, often based on reasoning or evidence.
The most common and neutral way to say 'anticipate' in the sense of predicting or expecting an outcome. Used for both positive and negative events.
今年の売上は伸びると予想しています。
We anticipate that sales will grow this year.
彼の反応を予想するのは難しい。
It's hard to anticipate his reaction.
Often used in business or formal contexts to mean 'anticipate' or 'expect' based on calculations or estimates. Implies a degree of confidence.
来期は10%の成長を見込んでいます。
We anticipate 10% growth next term.
Similar to 予想する but often implies a more passive expectation, sometimes used when something is anticipated but not necessarily planned for. Common in the phrase 予期せぬ (unexpected).
問題が起こることは予期していた。
I had anticipated that problems would arise.
Used when anticipating a scenario or situation, often in planning or risk assessment. More about 'assuming' a certain case.
最悪のケースを想定して準備する。
Prepare by anticipating the worst-case scenario.
To feel excited or pleased about something that is going to happen.
The standard way to say you are looking forward to something. Expresses positive anticipation.
週末の旅行を楽しみにしています。
I'm anticipating the weekend trip.
彼女に会うのを楽しみにしている。
I'm looking forward to seeing her.
A slightly more emotional or literary way to say 'look forward to eagerly'.
彼の帰りを心待ちにしている。
I am eagerly anticipating his return.
To foresee a need or problem and act beforehand.
Literally 'go ahead', means to anticipate someone's needs or actions and act before them. Often used in customer service or proactive problem-solving.
お客様の質問に先回りして答える。
Anticipate the customer's questions and answer them in advance.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to take the initiative' or 'beat someone to the punch'. Used in competitive contexts.
競合他社に先手を打って新製品を発表した。
We anticipated our competitors and announced the new product first.
Means 'to prepare for' a future event, especially emergencies or risks. Often used with ～に備える.
To do something before another person can, often to gain an advantage.
Means 'to take or do ahead of others', often used for trends, ideas, or actions.
流行を先取りしたファッション。
Fashion that anticipates trends.
Means 'to outmaneuver' or 'steal a march on'. Has a slightly negative nuance of doing something secretly to get ahead.
彼は同僚を出し抜いて昇進した。
He anticipated his colleagues and got promoted.
予想する is neutral expectation, not positive excitement. Use 楽しみにする for 'looking forward to'.
✕ パーティーを予想しています。
I anticipate the party. (unnatural)
◯ パーティーを楽しみにしています。
I'm looking forward to the party.
予想 is general expectation; 予期 is often passive or about unforeseen events; 想定 is for hypothetical scenarios in planning.
An adjective meaning 'can't wait for' or 'eagerly anticipating'. Used when the wait feels long.
夏休みが待ち遠しい。
I can't wait for summer vacation.
地震に備えて水を買い置きする。
Stock up on water in anticipation of an earthquake.