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将来
shōrai
future
将来のために貯金しています。
I'm saving money for the future.
neutral
The 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.
neutral
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.
Word Breakdown
将
to lead, take, or about to
root来
to come
root和英辞典