先行き

• Reading: さきゆき
• Romaji: sakiyuki
• Kanji breakdown: 先 (saki/sen) — ahead, future, previous; 行 (yuki/kou) — go, direction
• Pronunciation: /sa.ki.jɯ.ki/

Meaning

The future; future prospects; outlook. What lies ahead, especially regarding outcomes or conditions.

A noun referring to future prospects or outlook, commonly used in economic, business, and personal contexts. Often modified by expressions of uncertainty or concern: 先行き不安 (sakiyuki fuan, anxiety about the future), 先行き不透明 (sakiyuki futōmei, unclear outlook). More focused on near-to-medium term outcomes than 将来 (shourai, general future). Frequently appears in news headlines and economic analyses.

Examples

1. 先行きが不安で転職を考えている。 I'm anxious about the future and considering changing jobs.
2. 景気の先行きは依然として不透明だ。 The economic outlook remains unclear.
3. 先行きに希望を持って努力を続けよう。 Let's keep working hard with hope for what lies ahead.

Usage Guide

Context: economics, career, business, news

Tone: cautious

Origin & History

From Japanese: 先 (saki, ahead/future) + 行き (yuki, going/direction). Literally 'where things are going' — the direction ahead.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal