将来
shōraiThe time or period yet to come; the period after the present.
将来、医者になりたいです。
I want to become a doctor in the future.
将来のことを考えなければなりません。
You must think about your future.
Often used in contexts related to plans, aspirations, or long-term considerations.
In the distant future; later on.
将来、この技術が普及するでしょう。
This technology will likely become widespread in the future.
Can imply a more distant timeframe compared to 今後 (kon-go, 'from now on').
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Common Collocation: 将来性がある
Use 将来性がある (shōraisei ga aru) to describe something or someone with good future prospects, e.g., この会社は将来性がある (This company has good future prospects).
⚡Gold Rule
Future vs. 将来
While 'future' can be translated as 未来 (mirai) or 将来 (shōrai), 将来 is more commonly used in everyday speech when referring to personal or near-term future plans. 未来 tends to sound more literary or distant.
📖Word Origin
From Middle Chinese 將來 (tsi̯aŋ ləi), combining 將 (to lead, take) and 來 (to come). The compound entered Japanese as a noun meaning 'the time yet to come.'
📝Usage Notes
将来 is a neutral term often used in both personal and professional contexts. It can refer to near or distant future depending on context. Unlike 先 (saki, 'future' as in 'the future of humanity'), 将来 emphasizes the passage of time from the present moment.