Translation guide
The tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through nouns, adjectives, and set phrases that convey a negative outlook.
Expressing a generally pessimistic view of life, the future, or a situation.
The most direct noun for 'pessimism'. Often used in phrases like 悲観的 (pessimistic) or 悲観論 (pessimistic view).
彼は将来を悲観している。
He is pessimistic about the future.
悲観的な見方をする。
To take a pessimistic view.
A more literary term for world-weariness or pessimism about life. Often used in 厭世的 (pessimistic, world-weary).
厭世観に陥る。
To fall into a pessimistic view of life.
Loanword from English, used mainly in philosophical or academic contexts.
彼の哲学はペシミズムに基づいている。
His philosophy is based on pessimism.
Describing a person who habitually expects the worst.
The standard way to say someone is pessimistic. 悲観的な is the attributive form.
彼女はとても悲観的だ。
She is very pessimistic.
Literally 'minus thinking', a common colloquial term for negative thinking or pessimism.
彼はいつもマイナス思考だ。
He always thinks negatively.
Loanword meaning 'negative' (personality). Very common in casual speech.
そんなにネガティブにならないで。
Don't be so negative/pessimistic.
Expressing a specific pessimistic forecast or expectation about an outcome.
A pessimistic outlook or forecast. 見通し means 'outlook' or 'prospect'.
経済の悲観的な見通しが広がっている。
A pessimistic economic outlook is spreading.
Literally 'dark outlook', a common way to express a gloomy or pessimistic forecast.
将来は暗い見通しだ。
The future looks bleak/pessimistic.
Expressing pessimism regarding a particular matter, often using the verb 悲観する.
To be pessimistic about something. The object is marked with を.
彼は自分の将来を悲観している。
He is pessimistic about his own future.
状況を悲観する必要はない。
There's no need to be pessimistic about the situation.
悲観的 (ひかんてき) is the standard, slightly formal adjective for 'pessimistic'. ネガティブ is a casual loanword often used for personality. マイナス思考 is a colloquial noun phrase meaning 'negative thinking'. In formal writing, 悲観的 is preferred.
While ペシミズム exists, it is rarely used outside academic philosophy. In everyday language, use 悲観 or 悲観的.