How to say "prospect" in Japanese

• 候補こうほJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounCovers 'prospect' only in the sense of a person or thing under consideration — a candidate or contender for a role or selection. It never refers to a view or a future outlook.
  スミス氏しは市長しちょう候補こうほである。↗

  Mr Smith is a candidate for mayor.
• 展望てんぼうJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbMatches 'prospect' in the forward-looking sense: an outlook on how the future is expected to unfold. It can also name a wide view from a high place, so context decides.
  あのビルの屋上おくじょうからの展望てんぼうはすばらしかった。↗

  The view from the top of that building was magnificent.
• 眺めながめJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounRefers to the scene or view itself — what you see when you look out over a place. It matches 'prospect' only in this visual sense, not for candidates or forecasts.
  眺ながめのよい部屋へやをお願ねがいします。↗

  I'd like a room with a good view.
• 見晴らしみはらしJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounA wide, unobstructed view enjoyed from a high or open spot — 'prospect' in its scenic sense, as in a fine prospect from a hilltop. It is only about views.
  そのホテルは見晴みはらしがよい。↗

  The hotel has a good prospect.
• 眺望ちょうぼうCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbNames a sweeping, panoramic view over scenery — a vista rather than an ordinary look. It covers only the visual side of 'prospect', not candidates or forecasts.

Use 候補 for a prospect who is a candidate under consideration, 展望 for prospects as a future outlook (it can also be a wide view), and 「眺め」, 「見晴らし」, or 眺望 for the visual sense of a view.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 候補こうほcandidate
• 展望てんぼうview
• 眺めながめscene
• 見晴らしみはらし(scenic) view
• 眺望ちょうぼうview
• プロスペクトprospect
• 前景気まえげいきprospect
• 望みのぞみprospect
• めどprospect
• 見通しみとおしforecast
• 売れ口うれくちprospect (e.g. employment, marriage, etc.)