Translation guide
The English word 'projection' covers several distinct ideas: a physical part that sticks out, a forecast or estimate, the act of throwing or sending something forward (like light, images, or sound), and psychological projection. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Describing a physical feature that juts out from a surface.
General term for a projection, protrusion, or prominence. Used in technical and everyday contexts.
There is a small projection on the wall.
Literally 'protruding part'. Often used in mechanical or architectural descriptions.
Please be careful of the projection on this machine.
Casual term for a bulge or protrusion. Common in everyday speech.
I hit my knee on the projection of this desk.
Talking about a prediction of future trends, numbers, or outcomes.
General term for prediction or forecast, based on data or reasoning.
Make a sales projection for next year.
Outlook or prospect; often used in business contexts for projections.
Estimate or projection, often used in statistical or demographic contexts.
Describing the act of projecting an image, light, sound, or object.
Projection of images or light, such as with a projector. Also used metaphorically.
Project an image onto the screen.
Projection of light, rays, or physical objects; often used in physics or engineering.
Specifically refers to projecting films or slides.
Referring to the defense mechanism where one attributes one's own feelings to others.
When talking about business or economic projections, do not directly translate 'projection' as 投影 (tōei), which means image projection. Use 予測 (yosoku) or 見通し (mitōshi) instead.
経済の見通しは明るくない。
The economic projection is not bright.
人口推計によると、2050年には高齢者が40%を超える。
According to population projections, the elderly will exceed 40% in 2050.
Project a laser beam.
Project the film with a projector.
Psychological projection is one of the defense mechanisms.