Translation guide
The English verb 'predict' is used to say what you think will happen in the future. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 予測する (yosoku suru), but other expressions like 予想する (yosou suru) and 見通し (mitooshi) are used depending on whether the prediction is based on data, intuition, or a general outlook. This guide covers the main ways to express prediction naturally.
To say what will happen in the future based on evidence, data, or logical reasoning.
The most direct and common translation for 'predict' when based on data, trends, or analysis. Used in scientific, economic, and everyday contexts.
専門家は経済成長を予測している。
Experts are predicting economic growth.
天気予報は明日雨が降ると予測した。
The weather forecast predicted rain tomorrow.
Similar to 予測する, but often implies a more subjective guess or expectation, not necessarily based on hard data. Common in sports, elections, and personal predictions.
彼はその試合の結果を予想した。
He predicted the outcome of the match.
Literally 'to see through', used for predicting or foreseeing future developments, often in business or long-term planning. More formal.
彼は市場の動向を見通している。
He predicts market trends.
To refer to a prediction as a statement about the future, often in formal or business contexts.
The noun form of 予測する. Used for forecasts, projections, and predictions based on data.
この予測は過去のデータに基づいている。
This prediction is based on past data.
Noun form of 予想する. Often used for expectations or conjectures, like election predictions or sports picks.
Outlook or prospect; a prediction about how a situation will develop. Common in business and economic contexts.
To express a gut feeling or intuitive prediction about the future.
A very common phrase meaning 'I have a feeling that...' or 'I predict that...' based on intuition. Attach to a clause in plain form.
明日は雨が降るような気がする。
I predict it will rain tomorrow. (I have a feeling it will rain.)
彼は来ないような気がする。
I predict he won't come.
The volitional form used for conjecture. 'Probably will...' or 'I think it will...'. Less formal than 予測する, more like a guess.
たぶん明日は晴れるだろう。
I predict it will be sunny tomorrow. (Probably sunny.)
To predict in academic, scientific, or highly formal contexts.
To prophesy or predict, often with a connotation of divine or authoritative foresight. Used for prophecies, not data-driven forecasts.
ノストラダムスは未来を予言した。
Nostradamus predicted the future.
To foresee or have precognition. Often used in paranormal contexts or for predicting disasters before they happen.
彼女は地震を予知したと言っている。
She claims to have predicted the earthquake.
予測 (yosoku) is for data-driven, objective predictions. 予想 (yosou) is for subjective guesses or expectations. 見通し (mitooshi) is for outlooks or prospects, often in business. Use 予測 for scientific forecasts, 予想 for personal predictions, and 見通し for future plans or economic outlooks.
気象庁が台風の進路を予測した。
The weather agency predicted the typhoon's path. (data-driven)
私は彼が勝つと予想した。
I predicted he would win. (subjective guess)
会社の業績見通しは良好だ。
The company's earnings outlook is favorable.
In everyday conversation, 予測する can sound stiff. Use ～ような気がする or ～だろう for casual predictions. Reserve 予測する for situations where you have some basis or data.
明日は雨が降るような気がする。
I have a feeling it'll rain tomorrow. (natural casual)
未来を予測できますか？
Can you predict the future?
何が起こるか予測するのは難しい。
It's hard to predict what will happen.
Election predictions are difficult.
来年の売上見通しは明るい。
The sales forecast for next year is bright.