Translation guide
The English word 'prophecy' refers to a prediction of the future, often with divine or supernatural inspiration. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 予言 (yogen), but other words like 預言 (yogen) and 予知 (yochi) have distinct nuances. This guide helps learners choose the right term based on context.
To refer to a statement about what will happen in the future, without necessarily implying divine inspiration.
The most common and general word for 'prophecy'. It can be used for predictions in everyday contexts, as well as in religious or mythological ones.
彼の予言が的中した。
His prophecy came true.
その予言は多くの人に信じられた。
The prophecy was believed by many people.
Specifically a prophecy that is divinely inspired, often used in religious contexts (e.g., biblical prophecies). It implies a message from a deity.
聖書の預言を研究する。
Study the prophecies of the Bible.
Refers more to the ability or act of foreseeing the future, often as a psychic phenomenon. It can be translated as 'precognition' or 'foresight'.
彼女は未来を予知する能力がある。
She has the ability of prophecy (precognition).
A nominalized phrase meaning 'the act of prophesying'. It is less common and more verbose, but can be used when emphasizing the action.
予言することは難しい。
Prophesying is difficult.
To refer specifically to a prophecy that comes from a god or is part of a religious tradition.
The standard term for a divinely inspired prophecy. It is commonly used in Christian and other religious contexts.
預言者イザヤの預言。
The prophecy of the prophet Isaiah.
その預言は神からのメッセージだった。
The prophecy was a message from God.
An oracle or divine revelation, often associated with ancient Greek or Shinto contexts. It implies a direct communication from a deity.
Similar to 神託, but can also refer to a message delivered through a medium or oracle. It is somewhat archaic.
To refer to a prediction that causes itself to become true.
The standard translation for 'self-fulfilling prophecy' in psychology and sociology.
自己成就予言の例を挙げてください。
Give an example of a self-fulfilling prophecy.
A slightly more analytical phrase, literally 'self-fulfillment of prophecy'. It is used in academic writing.
この現象は予言の自己成就として知られている。
This phenomenon is known as the self-fulfillment of prophecy.
Both are read as よげん, but 予言 is a general prediction, while 預言 specifically implies divine inspiration. Use 預言 for religious prophecies and 予言 for secular or everyday predictions. When in doubt, 予言 is safer.
ノストラダムスの予言
Nostradamus's prophecies (general, though often considered prophetic)
旧約聖書の預言
Old Testament prophecies (divine)
English uses 'prophecy' as a noun and 'prophesy' as a verb. In Japanese, the verb form is usually 予言する (yogen suru). Do not try to use 予言 alone as a verb.
彼は未来を予言した。
He prophesied the future.
巫女が神託を伝えた。
The shrine maiden delivered the prophecy (oracle).
古代の託宣が記録されている。
Ancient prophecies (oracles) are recorded.