未来

• Pinyin: wèi lái
• Hanzi breakdown: 未 = 木 (tree) with an extra stroke on top, indicating 'not yet'; 来 = 木 (tree) with people on both sides, pictograph of wheat

Meaning

Future; the time ahead; what is yet to come.

Refers to time that has not yet arrived, often used when discussing plans, hopes, technology, or society. Can function as a noun or adjective modifying another noun (e.g. 未来的世界). Commonly used in both everyday and formal contexts.

Examples

1. 我们应该为未来做好充分的准备。 We should make full preparations for the future.
2. 科学家们正在研究未来的能源问题。 Scientists are researching future energy issues.
3. 他对自己的未来充满了信心和期待。 He is full of confidence and anticipation for his future.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, education, technology

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 未来的发展充满可能性。(The development of the future is full of possibilities.)
• 我们要为未来的孩子创造更好的环境。(We must create a better environment for the children of the future.)

Don't Say

• 我明天未来你家。(Don't use 未来 for scheduled near-term events — use 明天 or 以后 instead; 未来 refers to a broader, less defined future.)

Origin & History

Compound of 未 (not yet) and 来 (come), literally 'not yet arrived' — that which has not yet come.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal