Translation guide
The English verb 'expect' covers a range of meanings from anticipating a future event to demanding certain behavior. Japanese uses different words and grammar depending on the nuance.
To believe that something will happen or is likely to happen in the future.
Used when you look forward to something positive happening. Often implies hope or excitement.
彼の新しい映画を期待しています。
I'm expecting his new movie (to be good).
Neutral prediction based on reasoning or evidence. No emotional nuance.
今年の冬は寒くなると予想されています。
It is expected that this winter will be cold.
Expresses a strong expectation based on logic or common sense. 'It should be that...'
彼はもう着くはずです。
He should arrive soon. / I expect he'll arrive soon.
Casual conjecture. 'Probably...' Used in informal speech.
明日は雨だろう。
I expect it will rain tomorrow.
To estimate or count on something happening, often used in business or formal contexts.
来月の売上は10％増を見込んでいます。
We expect a 10% increase in sales next month.
To believe that someone should do something, often because of duty, rules, or social norms.
Expresses moral obligation or strong expectation. 'Should/ought to.'
親は子供を守るべきだ。
Parents are expected to protect their children.
Indicates a rule, arrangement, or expectation. 'It is expected/arranged that...'
会議は3時に始まることになっています。
The meeting is expected to start at 3.
To demand or expect something from someone, often used in formal or written contexts.
Strong obligation. 'Must/have to.' Can convey expectation when softened.
学生は毎日宿題をしなければならない。
Students are expected to do homework every day.
To believe someone or something will come and be ready for them.
General verb for 'wait.' Often used with 〜ている to mean 'is expecting (a visitor, delivery, etc.).'
友達を待っています。
I'm expecting a friend.
Explicitly 'wait for ~ to come.' Natural when specifying who/what is expected.
彼女が来るのを待っています。
I'm expecting her to come.
Euphemism for being pregnant.
Standard term for 'pregnant.'
彼女は妊娠しています。
She is expecting a baby.
Softer, more indirect way to say 'expecting a baby.'
お腹に赤ちゃんがいるんです。
I'm expecting a baby.
期待する implies a positive hope. For neutral or negative predictions, use 予想する or patterns like 〜だろう.
事故が起こるだろう。
I expect an accident will happen.
期待する is emotional (hope), 予想する is logical (prediction). Use 予想する for weather, statistics, and neutral forecasts.
会社は社員に高い成果を求めている。
The company expects high performance from its employees.