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.
彼は先見の明がある。
He has foresight.
A straightforward verbal phrase meaning 'to think in advance'. It's natural for everyday situations where you plan ahead.
前もって考えておけばよかった。
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.
彼の先見性には驚かされる。
I'm amazed by his foresight.
Foresight or prediction, often with a nuance of foreseeing specific outcomes. Can be used in both positive and negative contexts.
彼は危険を予見していた。
He had foreseen the danger.
Literally 'think about things ahead'. A common, slightly casual way to talk about considering the future.
もっと先のことを考えないと。
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).
用心深い人は鍵を二重にかける。
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.
備えあれば憂いなしというから、保険に入っておこう。
They say 'forewarned is forearmed,' so let's get insurance.
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.
彼の行動は考えが足りなかった。
His actions lacked forethought.
Rashness, thoughtlessness. Describes acting without due consideration. Often used as 軽率な行動 (rash action).
軽率な発言で彼を怒らせてしまった。
My thoughtless remark made him angry.
Without thinking about the consequences. Literally 'without thinking of before or after.' Used to criticize impulsive behavior.
後先考えずにお金を使ってしまった。
I spent money without thinking about the future.
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.
少し前もって考えていれば、この災難は防げたのに。
A little forethought would have prevented this disaster.
彼女はいつも用心深く行動する。
She always acts with forethought.
We took preventive measures before the problem grew.
It's better to take precautions.