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.
The most direct and common translation for 'preconception' as a neutral or negative bias formed before knowing the facts.
Please listen without preconceptions.
My preconceptions about him clouded my judgment.
Means 'prejudice' or 'bias'. Stronger than 先入観, often implying an unfair negative attitude.
It's hard to get rid of preconceptions.
A 'fixed idea' or 'stereotype'. Refers to a rigid, often unexamined belief.
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.
Look at the facts without preconceptions.
Express the act of judging or deciding too early, before having full information.
Literally 'quick agreement/understanding'. Means jumping to conclusions or making a hasty assumption.
That's your preconception.
Means 'assuming' or 'writing off' something without proper consideration. Often used for negative preconceptions.
Preconceptions are not good.
A subjective assumption or belief that may be mistaken. Often used for personal misconceptions.
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).
Don't jump to conclusions; check properly.
That might just be a preconception.