Translation guide
The English word "prospects" covers several distinct ideas: future possibilities (chances of success), a view or scene, searching for something (especially minerals), and potential customers. This guide breaks them down by meaning.
Talking about the likelihood of something good happening in the future, such as career opportunities, economic outlook, or the chances of a plan succeeding.
The most common and versatile word for 'prospects' in the sense of outlook or forecast. Used for economic prospects, career prospects, etc.
景気の見通しは明るい。
The economic prospects are bright.
就職の見通しが立たない。
I have no job prospects.
Often used for long-term prospects or a broad outlook, such as future of an industry or life plans. Slightly more formal than 見通し.
将来の展望について話し合った。
We discussed our future prospects.
Refers to the potential for future growth or success, often used for people, companies, or products.
この会社は将来性がある。
This company has good prospects.
Literally 'possibility', but can be used for prospects when emphasizing chance or likelihood.
成功の可能性は低い。
The prospects of success are low.
Referring to a wide view of a landscape, often from a high point.
The most common word for a scenic view or prospect.
山頂からの眺めは素晴らしかった。
The prospect from the mountaintop was wonderful.
General word for scenery or landscape; can be used for a prospect.
Also means a panoramic view, often from an observation deck.
The activity of exploring for valuable minerals or the potential mining site itself.
The technical term for prospecting (mineral exploration).
彼らは金の探鉱に出かけた。
They went out prospecting for gold.
A promising mining area; a good prospect.
その地域は有望な鉱区と見なされている。
The area is considered a good prospect.
In business, a person or company that might become a customer.
Standard business term for a sales prospect or potential customer.
新しい見込み客を探している。
We are looking for new prospects.
A promising customer; a high-potential prospect.
彼は有望顧客のリストを作成した。
He made a list of prospects.
The English word 'prospectus' (a document describing a business or investment) is 目論見書 (もくろみしょ) in Japanese, not related to 'prospects'.
A beautiful prospect is visible from the window.
この塔からは市街の展望が開ける。
This tower commands a prospect of the city.