想定

• Reading: そうてい
• Romaji: soutei
• Kanji breakdown: 想 (sou) — thought, idea, imagine; 定 (tei/jou) — fix, determine, establish
• Pronunciation: /soː.teː/

Meaning

Hypothesis; assumption; supposition. An anticipated scenario or expected outcome.

A する verb (想定する) meaning to assume or hypothesise. Frequently used in business planning, disaster preparedness, and academic discussion. Key related phrases include 想定外 (unforeseen/beyond expectations) and 想定内 (within expectations). Gained widespread recognition when 想定外 was used in media coverage of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake.

Examples

1. 最悪の事態を想定して準備を進めている。 We are preparing while anticipating the worst-case scenario.
2. 想定外の事故が起きて計画が大幅に遅れた。 An unforeseen accident occurred and the plan was significantly delayed.
3. この試験は大学入学レベルの学力を想定している。 This exam assumes academic ability at the college entrance level.

Usage Guide

Context: business, disaster planning, academic, news

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

Compound of 想 (sou, to think/imagine) + 定 (tei, to fix/determine). Together they convey the idea of mentally establishing a scenario or fixing an expectation in mind.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Working adults

Social background: Professional