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.
I had my vision tested.
He has poor vision.
Refers to the sense of sight as one of the five senses. More formal or scientific than 視力.
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.
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.
He saw a vision.
Dream; can also mean a vision or ideal for the future. Very common word.
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.
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.
Her vision is remarkable.
Let's share the company's vision.
It was just a vision.
He painted a vision of success.
These glasses give a wide field of vision.