Translation guide
The concept of knowing something before it happens. In Japanese, this is expressed through nouns, verbs, and set phrases, with nuances ranging from neutral prior knowledge to divine omniscience.
To express that someone knew something in advance, without special nuance.
Neutral noun meaning 'foreknowledge' or 'prescience'. Often used in contexts like predicting events or having advance information.
He had foreknowledge of the earthquake.
A common, natural phrase meaning 'to know in advance'. More conversational than 予知.
She had foreknowledge of the news.
Literally 'prior knowledge'. Often used in formal or technical contexts, such as prerequisites for understanding something.
Foreknowledge is required to take this lecture.
To express knowledge of future events attributed to a god, oracle, or supernatural power.
To express that someone had prior awareness of a fact, especially in legal, contractual, or official contexts.
While 知識 means 'knowledge', simply saying 前知識 is not standard. Use 事前知識 or phrases like 前もって知っている instead.
予知 is a noun often used for significant events or supernatural knowledge. 前もって知っている is a verb phrase for everyday advance knowledge. Choose based on formality and context.
預言者の先見の明は人々を救った。
The prophet's foreknowledge saved the people.
Participants are assumed to have foreknowledge of the rules.