展望

• Reading: てんぼう
• Romaji: tenbou
• Kanji breakdown: 展 (ten) — spread, unfold, exhibit; 望 (bou) — look, hope, desire
• Pronunciation: /teɴ.boː/

Meaning

A view or outlook; a prospect for the future or a panoramic vista from a high point.

A noun and suru-verb with two related meanings: (1) a wide view or panorama from an elevated position (展望台, observation deck); (2) a future outlook or prospect (将来の展望, future prospects). As a suru-verb, 展望する means to survey or look out over. Common in both physical (scenic views) and abstract (business/career outlook) contexts.

Examples

1. 山頂からの展望は息をのむほど美しかった。 The view from the mountaintop was breathtakingly beautiful.
2. 来年度の経済展望について専門家が議論した。 Experts discussed the economic outlook for next fiscal year.
3. 彼は自分のキャリアの展望を明るく語った。 He spoke optimistically about his career prospects.

Usage Guide

Context: tourism, business, economics, career planning

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 展 (ten, to spread out/unfold) + 望 (bou, to look/hope). Literally 'to spread out and look,' capturing both the physical act of gazing over a wide landscape and the metaphorical act of looking ahead to the future.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated