思惑・思わく|おもわくomowaku[0]heiban (flat)
This browser can't play pronunciations (needs Safari 18.4 or later, or Chrome / Edge / Firefox).
Which spelling to use
思惑思惑 is the more common form and the recommended choice for learners. It is written entirely in kanji, using ateji.
思わく思わく is less common than 思惑 and is written with kanji and kana; treat it as an alternative spelling rather than your default choice.
Definitions
- nounexpectation; anticipation; prediction; forecast; calculations
- nounpurpose; intention; motive; ulterior motive
- nounothers' opinions of one
- noun, financespeculation
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym見込みみこみNeutralRefers to prospects or chances, as in 「合格の見込みがある」. An objective estimate, while 「思惑」 suggests subjective scheming or personal intent.
- Synonym期待きたいNeutralPositive expectation, as in 「期待に応える」. Carries no scheming nuance, whereas 「思惑」 often implies self-interest.
- Synonym予想よそうNeutralA prediction or forecast, as in 「予想が外れる」. Neutral conjecture with no sense of intent, unlike 「思惑」.
- Synonym予測よそくWrittenWritten/formal prose. Predicting the future in advance, as in 「需要予測」, based on experience, data, or circumstances; no intent involved.
- Synonym予期よきWrittenWritten/formal prose. Mostly seen in 「予期せぬ」 and 「予期した通り」; anticipates something beforehand.
- Synonym目算もくさんWrittenWritten/formal prose. A rough estimate or calculation, as in 「目算が外れる」; centers on one's mental reckoning.
- Synonym所期しょきFormalFormal. An expected goal, as in 「所期の目的を達成する」; typical of official documents.
- Synonym心当てこころあてWrittenWritten/formal prose. An old-fashioned word for a mental guess or expectation, rarely used today; 「思惑」 suggests subjective scheming or intent.
- Synonym心づもりこころづもりNeutralOne's mental preparation or plan, as in 「早めに帰る心づもり」; concerns one's own arrangements.
- Synonym見越しみこしNeutralA noun for anticipation or expectation, also looking over something, as in 「見越しの松」; 「思惑」 is about subjective scheming.
- Related思いおもいNeutralOne's feelings or thoughts, as in 「思いを伝える」. Emotional at heart, while 「思惑」 is calculating.
- Related楽しみたのしみNeutralPleasure or something looked forward to, as in 「楽しみにしている」; anticipation of an enjoyable kind.
- Related待望たいぼうWrittenWritten/formal prose. Long, eager waiting, as in 「待望の新作」; lacks the scheming nuance of 「思惑」.
- RelatedあてCasualColloquial. Something to rely on, hopes one pins on, as in 「当てが外れる」; 「思惑」 suggests subjective scheming or intent.
Use 「思惑」 for hidden calculations, intentions, or what others think, as in 「思惑が外れる」 and 「各国の思惑」. For objective prospects say 「見込み」, for positive expectation 「期待」, and for prediction 「予想」.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
English equivalents


