Translation guide
The ability to anticipate future events or needs, often implying wise planning or preparation. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through nouns describing foresight, verbs for anticipating, and set phrases about preparation.
Expressing the general ability to see what is likely to happen in the future and act accordingly.
A common noun phrase meaning 'foresight' or 'prescience', literally 'the clarity of seeing ahead'. Used for someone's insightful ability to anticipate future trends or outcomes.
彼の先見の明にはいつも感心させられる。
I'm always impressed by his foresight.
Means 'insight' or 'discernment', often implying the ability to see beyond the surface and understand future implications. Used for deep, analytical foresight.
彼女の洞察力は市場の変化を予測するのに役立った。
Her insight helped predict market changes.
A noun meaning 'foresight' or 'prediction', often used in formal or written contexts. Can also be used as a verb (予見する).
彼は経済危機を予見していた。
He had foreseen the economic crisis.
A more abstract noun meaning 'foresightedness' or 'the quality of having foresight'. Often used in business or analytical contexts.
この計画には先見性が欠けている。
This plan lacks foresight.
Emphasizing the practical aspect of foresight: thinking ahead to avoid problems or ensure success.
A verb phrase meaning 'to anticipate' or 'to look ahead and plan accordingly'. Implies proactive preparation based on foresight.
先を見越して、十分な資金を確保しておいた。
With foresight, we secured sufficient funds in advance.
A proverb meaning 'If you are prepared, you have no worries.' Equivalent to 'Forewarned is forearmed' or 'Better safe than sorry.' Used to emphasize the value of foresight and preparation.
非常食を用意しておこう。備えあれば憂いなしだ。
Let's stock emergency food. Foresight prevents worry.
Literally 'to make the first move', meaning to act in advance to gain an advantage or prevent a problem. Implies strategic foresight.
競合他社に先手を打って新製品を発表した。
With foresight, we announced the new product before our competitors.
A proverb meaning 'a walking stick before you fall', i.e., taking precautions. Emphasizes the wisdom of preparing for potential mishaps.
保険に入るのは転ばぬ先の杖だ。
Getting insurance is an act of foresight.
Describing situations where someone failed to anticipate the future, often with negative consequences.
Directly means 'to lack foresight'. A common and clear way to criticize poor planning.
あの時もっと貯金しておけばよかった。先見の明がなかった。
I should have saved more money then. I lacked foresight.
A proverb meaning 'Repentance never comes first' or 'No use crying over spilt milk.' Implies that regret after the fact is useless without foresight.
もっと勉強しておけばよかった。後悔先に立たずだ。
I wish I had studied more. Foresight would have prevented this regret.
先見の明 emphasizes the ability to predict future events, while 洞察力 focuses on deep understanding and insight into the nature of things, which may include future implications. 先見の明 is more directly about foresight.
While 先見 exists as a word, it is rarely used alone. The common expression is 先見の明. Using just 先見 may sound unnatural or incomplete.