予測

• Reading: よそく
• Romaji: yosoku
• Kanji breakdown: 予 (yo) — beforehand, in advance; 測 (soku) — measure, fathom
• Pronunciation: /jo.so.kɯ/

Meaning

Prediction; forecast; estimation. Anticipating future events based on data or reasoning.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (予測する). Used for scientific predictions, data-based forecasts, and general anticipation. More analytical than 予想 (which is more intuitive/gut-feeling). Common in weather, economics, and technology contexts. Often appears as 予測不能 (unpredictable).

Examples

1. 専門家の予測によると来年は景気が回復する。 According to experts' predictions, the economy will recover next year.
2. この結果は誰も予測できなかった。 Nobody could have predicted this outcome.
3. 地震の正確な予測はまだ難しい。 Accurately predicting earthquakes is still difficult.

Usage Guide

Context: science, economics, news

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

Compound of 予 (yo, in advance/beforehand) and 測 (soku, measure/fathom). Literally 'measuring in advance' — calculating what will happen before it occurs.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated