Translation guide
The English word 'expectation' covers a range of meanings from anticipating a future event to holding a standard or requirement. In Japanese, different words and patterns are used depending on whether you are talking about a personal hope, a social norm, a predicted outcome, or a formal requirement. This guide helps you choose the most natural expression for each situation.
I have high expectations.
It exceeded expectations.
Expressing that you think something will happen and often looking forward to it, or simply believing it will occur.
The most common word for positive expectation or hope. Often used when you are looking forward to something good happening.
I have high expectations for his new movie.
Let's hope for growth next year.
Used when you have a logical reason to expect something to happen. It conveys a strong belief based on evidence or common sense.
He should be here soon (I expect he will come soon).
Refers to a prediction or forecast, often based on analysis or data. More neutral than 期待, and can be used for both positive and negative outcomes.
A plain conjecture meaning 'probably' or 'I expect'. Used in casual or written contexts to express a personal guess.
It will probably be sunny tomorrow (I expect it will be sunny).
Often used in business or formal contexts to mean 'prospect' or 'expectation' regarding future outcomes, such as sales or recovery.
Referring to a duty, norm, or level of performance that is required or anticipated from a person.
Also used for expectations placed on someone, often with a sense of pressure or hope.
I want to live up to my parents' expectations.
Means 'demand' or 'requirement'. Stronger than 期待, implying something that must be done.
Refers to a social norm or standard of behavior. Used in formal or academic contexts.
Referring to the mathematical concept of expected value or likelihood.
期待 (きたい) implies a hopeful or emotional expectation, while 予想 (よそう) is a neutral prediction based on reasoning or data. Use 期待 when you are looking forward to something, and 予想 when you are making a forecast.
I am hoping for his success.
I predict he will succeed.
English 'expect' can often be translated as 期待する, but in many cases a different structure is more natural. For example, 'I expect he will come' is not 彼が来ることを期待する (which sounds like you are hoping he comes), but rather 彼は来るはずだ or 彼は来るだろう.
If you take this medicine, you should get better (I expect you will recover).
今年の売上は予想を上回った。
This year's sales exceeded expectations.
According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
早期の回復の見込みは薄い。
There is little prospect of an early recovery.
I expected more from him.
この仕事は高い集中力が要求される。
This job requires a high level of concentration.
社会の規範に従うことが期待される。
It is expected that one follows social norms.
成功する確率は低い。
The probability of success is low.