兆候

• Reading: ちょうこう
• Romaji: chokou
• Kanji breakdown: 兆 (cho) — omen, sign; 候 (kou) — sign, condition, climate
• Pronunciation: /tɕoː.koː/

Meaning

Sign; indication; symptom; omen. An early observable signal that something — often unwanted — is about to occur or is already developing.

A noun that captures the idea of harbingers or early warnings. Used widely in medicine (症状の兆候), economics, meteorology, and social analysis. Unlike 予兆, 兆候 tends to refer to concrete, observable indicators rather than vague premonitions.

Examples

1. 景気回復の兆候が各所で見られるようになった。 Signs of economic recovery have begun to appear in various places.
2. 疲労の兆候を無視して働き続けることは危険だ。 It is dangerous to ignore signs of fatigue and keep working.
3. 紛争が起きる前に外交的な兆候があった。 There were diplomatic signs before the conflict broke out.

Usage Guide

Context: medicine, economics, news reporting

Tone: cautionary

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound of 兆 (omen, trillion — originally a cracked tortoiseshell used in divination) and 候 (sign, condition, weather).

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal