How to say "anticipate" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 見込むみこむgodan verb, transitive verbCovers the 'expect' sense of anticipate: reckoning that something will happen or turn out a certain way, often as a calculated estimate. Typical in business contexts, as with expected sales or profits.
- 見越すみこすgodan verb, transitive verbAlso the foreseeing sense: anticipating what lies ahead and acting or planning with that in view. It sits close to 見込む, but the weight is on foreseeing a development rather than estimating a figure.
- 当て込むあてこむgodan verb, transitive verbReally the 'count on' sense: expecting something and having your hopes ride on it. For neutral 'anticipate' it is marginal; choose it only when that counting-on nuance is what you mean.
- 先んじるさきんじるichidan verb, intransitive verbCovers the 'forestall' sense: anticipating someone by moving or acting before they do. The idea is getting ahead of others rather than expecting an outcome, as when you beat a rival to the punch.
- 待つまつgodan verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbCovers the 'await' sense: anticipating something by waiting for it or looking forward to it, as with a reply or a visitor. It is waiting, not forecasting, so it does not fit the 'expect' sense.
Use 「見込む」 or 「見越す」 for expecting or foreseeing outcomes, 「当て込む」 for counting on something, 「先んじる」 for forestalling or acting before others, and 「待つ」 for awaiting or looking forward to something.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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