Translation guide
A hypothesis is a proposed explanation or assumption that can be tested. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 仮説 (かせつ), used in scientific and academic contexts. For everyday assumptions or conjectures, 仮定 (かてい) or 推測 (すいそく) may be more natural. The choice depends on whether you are talking about a formal scientific hypothesis, a working assumption, or a guess.
A formal, testable explanation in science or research.
The standard term for a scientific hypothesis. Used in academic papers, research, and formal discussions.
その仮説は実験によって検証された。
The hypothesis was verified by experiment.
彼は新しい仮説を提唱した。
He proposed a new hypothesis.
The common phrase for 'to form a hypothesis' or 'to hypothesize'.
まず仮説を立ててから調査を始めよう。
Let's form a hypothesis first and then start the investigation.
A condition or statement assumed to be true for the sake of argument or calculation.
Used for assumptions in logic, math, or hypothetical scenarios. Often translated as 'assumption' or 'supposition'.
この仮定が正しいとすれば、結論は妥当だ。
If this assumption is correct, the conclusion is valid.
仮定の話だが、もし宝くじが当たったらどうする？
Hypothetically speaking, what would you do if you won the lottery?
Means 'premise' or 'precondition'. Often used when a hypothesis serves as the basis for further reasoning.
An idea or guess based on incomplete evidence, often in everyday conversation.
A general term for conjecture, guess, or inference. Suitable when you are not certain but have some basis.
それは単なる推測に過ぎない。
That's just a hypothesis (conjecture).
彼の推測は当たっていた。
His guess turned out to be right.
Speculation or guesswork, often with a nuance of being groundless. More negative than 推測.
A provisional idea used as a starting point for investigation or action.
Literally 'working hypothesis'. Used in research and business contexts.
作業仮説として、この方法で進めてみよう。
Let's proceed with this method as a working hypothesis.
A tentative theory or hypothesis. Less formal than 作業仮説.
それはまだ仮の説に過ぎない。
That's still just a tentative hypothesis.
仮説 is a formal, testable hypothesis in science. 仮定 is an assumption used as a premise in logic or hypothetical scenarios. 推測 is a conjecture or guess based on evidence, often used in everyday language.
Directly translating 'hypothesis' as ハイポセシス is not natural in Japanese. Use the appropriate term based on context.
その理論は誤った前提に基づいている。
The theory is based on a false premise.
憶測でものを言ってはいけない。
Don't speak based on mere speculation.