Translation guide
The quality of being impossible to predict or foresee. In Japanese, this concept is often expressed through adjectives, nouns, and set phrases that describe people, situations, or events as erratic, uncertain, or volatile.
Describing a person, situation, or outcome that cannot be predicted.
A direct and formal compound meaning 'impossible to predict'. Used for events, outcomes, or systems.
この天気は予測不可能だ。
This weather is unpredictable.
Similar to 予測不可能, but slightly more common in technical or news contexts. Means 'unpredictable' or 'incalculable'.
地震の発生は予測不能だ。
The occurrence of earthquakes is unpredictable.
A set phrase meaning 'leaves no room for easy predictions' or 'remains unpredictable'. Often used for situations that are too close to call.
試合の行方はまだ予断を許さない。
The outcome of the match is still unpredictable.
Means 'uncertain' or 'indeterminate'. Used in formal or technical contexts to describe factors that are not fixed.
不確定要素が多い。
There are many unpredictable factors.
Describing a person, animal, or thing that acts in an unpredictable, inconsistent, or capricious manner.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'whim', 'caprice', or 'unpredictable mood'. Often used for people or weather.
彼は気まぐれな人だ。
He is an unpredictable person.
気まぐれな天気に振り回される。
I'm at the mercy of the unpredictable weather.
Refers to moodiness or temperamental unpredictability. Often describes a person whose mood or performance varies.
An i-adjective meaning 'changeable' or 'fickle'. Used for weather, moods, or situations that shift frequently.
Means 'unstable' or 'volatile'. Often used for economic conditions, mental states, or systems.
Expressing that the result of something is not yet known or could go either way.
A common colloquial phrase meaning 'no one knows what will happen' or 'it's unpredictable'.
将来はどうなるかわからない。
The future is unpredictable.
Literally 'you don't know what will happen'. Emphasizes the potential for unexpected events.
人生は何が起こるかわからない。
Life is unpredictable.
気まぐれ implies whimsical or capricious unpredictability, often without negative connotation. むら気 suggests moodiness or temperamental inconsistency, and can carry a slightly negative nuance.
The English noun 'unpredictability' is often better expressed with adjectives or phrases in Japanese. Using a direct noun like 予測不可能性 can sound overly technical or unnatural in casual speech.
She is unpredictable; you never know what she's thinking.
春の天気は変わりやすい。
Spring weather is unpredictable.
株価が不安定で予測が難しい。
Stock prices are volatile and hard to predict.
Means 'fluid' or 'in flux'. Used for situations that are still developing and unpredictable.
情勢は流動的だ。
The situation is unpredictable.