Translation guide
The concept of thinking ahead, planning, or preparing in advance. Japanese expresses this through nouns, verbs, and set phrases that emphasize prior consideration, often with a nuance of prudence or caution.
To express the act of considering the future before taking action, often as a desirable trait.
Literally 'foresight', this noun is commonly used in phrases like 先見の明 (foresight; literally 'brightness of foresight'). It implies wisdom in anticipating future events.
He has foresight.
A straightforward verbal phrase meaning 'to think in advance'. It's natural for everyday situations where you plan ahead.
I should have thought ahead.
The quality of having foresight. Often used in business or analytical contexts to describe a person's ability to predict trends.
Foresight or prediction, often with a nuance of foreseeing specific outcomes. Can be used in both positive and negative contexts.
Literally 'think about things ahead'. A common, slightly casual way to talk about considering the future.
I need to think more about the future.
To emphasize the careful, preventive aspect of forethought, often to avoid problems.
Caution, care, or precaution. It implies taking measures against potential danger. Often used in the phrase 用心深い (cautious, prudent).
A prudent person double-locks the door.
A proverb meaning 'If you are prepared, you have no worries.' Equivalent to 'Forewarned is forearmed.' It's a set phrase encouraging preparation.
Taking the initiative or acting in advance. In business or games, it means making a preemptive move. 先手を打つ means 'to take preventive measures.'
Prevention, especially in medical or safety contexts. 予防線を張る means 'to take precautions' or 'to cover oneself.'
To describe someone acting without thinking ahead, often as criticism.
Literally 'insufficient thinking.' A common, mild rebuke meaning someone didn't think things through.
His actions lacked forethought.
Rashness, thoughtlessness. Describes acting without due consideration. Often used as 軽率な行動 (rash action).
Without thinking about the consequences. Literally 'without thinking of before or after.' Used to criticize impulsive behavior.
English 'forethought' is often used as a mass noun ('with forethought'). Japanese rarely uses a single noun in the same way. Instead, use verbs like 前もって考える or adjectives like 用心深い to convey the idea naturally.
先見 implies wisdom and positive foresight, often in the phrase 先見の明. 予見 is more neutral and can refer to foreseeing any event, including negative ones. 先見性 is the quality of having foresight, often used in business contexts.
A little forethought would have prevented this disaster.
She always acts with forethought.
I'm amazed by his foresight.
彼は危険を予見していた。
He had foreseen the danger.
They say 'forewarned is forearmed,' so let's get insurance.
問題が大きくなる前に先手を打った。
We took preventive measures before the problem grew.
予防線を張っておいたほうがいい。
It's better to take precautions.
軽率な発言で彼を怒らせてしまった。
My thoughtless remark made him angry.
I spent money without thinking about the future.