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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Literally 'to make the first move', meaning to act in advance to gain an advantage or prevent a problem. Implies strategic foresight.
A proverb meaning 'a walking stick before you fall', i.e., taking precautions. Emphasizes the wisdom of preparing for potential mishaps.
Describing situations where someone failed to anticipate the future, often with negative consequences.
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.
Let's stock emergency food. Foresight prevents worry.
With foresight, we announced the new product before our competitors.
Getting insurance is an act of 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.
I wish I had studied more. Foresight would have prevented this regret.