前途
Meanings
1
Refers to what lies ahead in a figurative sense: one's future, career prospects, or the outlook for a plan or situation. Often used in expressions like 前途有望 (promising future) or 前途多難 (many difficulties ahead).
He is a young researcher with a promising future.
The outlook for this plan is not bright.
2
journey ahead; distance yet to cover
Literal sense referring to the physical road or distance remaining on a journey. Less common than the figurative sense; often appears in travel contexts or literary descriptions.
The journey ahead is still long, so let's take a break here.
Usage patterns
- 前途が明るいto have a bright future ahead
His future is bright.
- 〈人〉の前途を祝うto celebrate someone's future prospects
We raised a toast to celebrate the graduates' futures.
- 〈人〉の前途に期待するto have high hopes for someone's future
The teacher has high hopes for his future.
- 前途を阻むto block the way ahead (physically or figuratively)
The heavy snow blocked the road ahead.