Translation guide
Expressing anticipation in Japanese involves conveying expectation, looking forward to something, or preparing for a future event. The most natural expressions depend on whether you are excited, making a prediction, or taking preparatory action.
Expressing that you are excited about a future event and eagerly awaiting it.
The most common and natural way to say you are looking forward to something. Literally 'I am making it something to enjoy'. Used for events, meetings, trips, etc.
来週の旅行を楽しみにしています。
I'm looking forward to the trip next week.
あなたに会うのを楽しみにしている。
I'm looking forward to seeing you.
Means 'I can't wait'. Stronger than 楽しみにしている, conveys impatience and excitement. Casual.
コンサートが待ちきれない！
I can't wait for the concert!
Onomatopoeic expression for feeling excited and thrilled in anticipation. Often used for fun events.
明日のパーティー、ワクワクするね。
I'm so excited about tomorrow's party, aren't you?
Stating that you believe something will happen based on reasoning or evidence.
To expect, predict, or anticipate based on analysis or guess. Neutral and widely used.
専門家は景気の回復を予想している。
Experts are anticipating an economic recovery.
試合の結果を予想するのは難しい。
It's hard to predict the outcome of the match.
To expect or hope for something, often with a sense of anticipation. Can imply a desire for a positive outcome.
彼の活躍を期待しています。
I'm anticipating his success. (I have high hopes for his performance.)
To anticipate or estimate, often used in business or planning contexts. Implies counting on something.
Describing actions done beforehand to deal with an expected situation.
To act in anticipation, to get ahead of something. Literally 'go around ahead and do ~'. Used for proactive measures.
問題が起きる前に先回りして対策を考えた。
We anticipated the problem and thought of countermeasures in advance.
To do something in advance, in preparation. 'あらかじめ' means 'beforehand'. The pattern is 'あらかじめ + verb-te form + おく'.
あらかじめ資料を読んでおいてください。
Please read the materials in advance (in anticipation of the meeting).
To prepare for, to provide against. Often used for disasters or emergencies.
Understanding what someone will need or say before they express it.
To read ahead, to anticipate what will happen next. Used for reading situations or people's intentions.
彼はいつも先を読んで行動する。
He always acts in anticipation of what's coming.
To be considerate and anticipate someone's needs without being asked. Implies thoughtfulness.
彼女が寒そうだったので、気を利かせてブランケットを持ってきた。
She looked cold, so I anticipated her need and brought a blanket.
期待する can sound too formal or heavy when you simply want to say you're looking forward to a fun event. Use 楽しみにしている instead.
パーティーを楽しみにしています。
I'm looking forward to the party. (natural)
パーティーを期待しています。
I'm expecting something from the party. (unnatural unless you have specific hopes)
We are anticipating an increase in sales next month.
地震に備えて水を買っておいた。
I bought water in anticipation of an earthquake.