Translation guide
A preconception is an idea or opinion formed before having enough information or experience. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed through nouns like 先入観 (a preconceived notion) or 偏見 (prejudice/bias), and through set phrases describing fixed ideas or premature judgments.
Express a general idea or opinion formed beforehand, often without evidence.
Express the act of judging or deciding too early, before having full information.
先入観 is a general preconceived notion, often neutral. 偏見 is a negative prejudice or bias. 固定観念 is a fixed, stereotypical idea that is hard to change.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'preconception'. Choose based on whether you mean a bias (先入観), a prejudice (偏見), a stereotype (固定観念), or a hasty assumption (早合点).
The most direct and common translation for 'preconception' as a neutral or negative bias formed before knowing the facts.
先入観を持たずに話を聞いてください。
Please listen without preconceptions.
彼に対する先入観が、判断を曇らせた。
My preconceptions about him clouded my judgment.
Means 'prejudice' or 'bias'. Stronger than 先入観, often implying an unfair negative attitude.
偏見をなくすのは難しい。
It's hard to get rid of preconceptions.
A 'fixed idea' or 'stereotype'. Refers to a rigid, often unexamined belief.
固定観念にとらわれずに考えよう。
Let's think without being bound by preconceptions.
A less common synonym for 先入観, meaning a preconceived idea. Mostly used in written or formal contexts.
先入主を排して事実を見つめる。
Look at the facts without preconceptions.
Literally 'quick agreement/understanding'. Means jumping to conclusions or making a hasty assumption.
それは君の早合点だ。
That's your preconception.
早合点しないで、ちゃんと確認して。
Don't jump to conclusions; check properly.
Means 'assuming' or 'writing off' something without proper consideration. Often used for negative preconceptions.
決めつけはよくない。
Preconceptions are not good.
A subjective assumption or belief that may be mistaken. Often used for personal misconceptions.
それは単なる思い込みかもしれない。
That might just be a preconception.