Translation guide
The English word 'forecast' is most commonly used for weather predictions, but also for economic or business projections. In Japanese, different words and patterns are used depending on what is being predicted and the context.
To talk about a weather prediction, such as on the news or in daily conversation.
The standard term for 'weather forecast'. Used in news, apps, and daily conversation.
明日の天気予報は雨です。
Tomorrow's weather forecast is rain.
天気予報によると、週末は晴れるそうです。
According to the weather forecast, it will be sunny this weekend.
Short for 天気予報, often used in compounds or when context is clear.
予報では明日は雪です。
The forecast says it will snow tomorrow.
To talk about predictions for the economy, sales, or business trends.
General term for 'prediction' or 'forecast' based on data or analysis. Used for economic indicators, sales, etc.
経済成長の予測は難しい。
Forecasting economic growth is difficult.
来年の売上予測を立てる。
Make a sales forecast for next year.
Often used for outlook or forecast in business contexts, implying a forward-looking estimate.
Common word for 'expectation' or 'forecast', often used in financial contexts (e.g., stock market forecasts).
To express a forecast or prediction in a broad sense, not limited to weather or business.
Works for any data-driven or analytical forecast.
人口動態の予測は政策に影響を与える。
Demographic forecasts influence policy.
Means 'prophecy' or 'prediction', often with a mystical or non-scientific nuance. Not for weather or business.
ノストラダムスの予言
the prophecies of Nostradamus
To express the action of making a forecast.
The most common verb pattern for 'to forecast that...'.
専門家は景気が回復すると予測している。
Experts forecast that the economy will recover.
Similar to 予測する, but slightly more subjective or expectation-based.
アナリストは来月の利上げを予想している。
Analysts forecast an interest rate hike next month.
Used in business or official forecasts, often for numerical estimates.
政府は今年の成長率を2%と見込んでいる。
The government forecasts 2% growth this year.
予測 is the most objective, data-driven forecast. 予想 includes expectations and is common in financial markets. 見通し is often used for business outlooks and plans.
気象庁の予測によると、今年の夏は暑い。
According to the meteorological agency's forecast, this summer will be hot.
市場予想を下回る結果だった。
The result fell short of market forecasts.
会社の業績見通しは明るい。
The company's business forecast is bright.
予報 is almost exclusively used for weather (天気予報). Using it for economic or other forecasts sounds unnatural.
天気予報によると、明日は雨が降るそうです。
The weather forecast says it will rain tomorrow.
彼らは売上が10%増加すると予測している。
They forecast a 10% increase in sales.
業績見通しを上方修正した。
They revised their earnings forecast upward.
The earnings exceeded market forecasts.