Translation guide
The English word 'vision' covers several distinct meanings: the physical sense of sight, the ability to imagine the future, a mental image or dream, and the quality of seeing clearly. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
The physical ability to see; eyesight.
The standard term for visual acuity or eyesight. Used in medical contexts and everyday conversation.
視力を測ってもらいました。
I had my vision tested.
彼は視力が悪いです。
He has poor vision.
Refers to the sense of sight as one of the five senses. More formal or scientific than 視力.
視覚以外の感覚も大切です。
Senses other than vision are also important.
The ability to think about or plan the future with imagination and wisdom; foresight.
A set phrase meaning foresight or the ability to anticipate future events. Often used to praise someone's insight.
彼には先見の明がある。
He has vision.
Insight or perceptiveness; the ability to see into the true nature of things. Broader than just future-oriented vision.
Loanword from English, commonly used in business contexts to mean a future-oriented plan or ideal.
A vivid mental image of something desired or imagined, often in a dream or trance.
A vision, phantom, or illusion. Can be a supernatural apparition or a fleeting dream.
彼は幻を見た。
He saw a vision.
Dream; can also mean a vision or ideal for the future. Very common word.
それはただの夢だった。
It was just a vision.
Also used for a mental image or ideal, especially in business or personal development.
The quality of being able to see clearly, especially in terms of optical devices or conditions.
Field of vision or visibility. Used when talking about what one can see, e.g., while driving.
霧で視界が悪かった。
Vision was poor due to fog.
Field of view; also used metaphorically for breadth of perspective.
このメガネは視野が広い。
These glasses give a wide field of vision.
視力 (しりょく) is visual acuity (e.g., 20/20 vision). 視覚 (しかく) is the sense of sight. 視界 (しかい) is the field of vision or visibility. Use 視力 for eyesight tests, 視覚 for the sensory system, and 視界 for what you can see at a given moment.
English 'vision' is broad. In Japanese, you must choose the specific word for the context. Using ビジョン for eyesight sounds unnatural; use 視力 instead. For a supernatural vision, 幻 or 夢 is better than ビジョン.
彼女の洞察力は素晴らしい。
Her vision is remarkable.
Let's share the company's vision.
He painted a vision of success.