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A1 noun #3,841 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

将来

shōrai Top 3,841

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 将来 en 30 secondes

Explication 将来 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'shourai' as a fixed time marker for your dreams and aspirations. It is most commonly used in the sentence pattern 'Shourai, [noun] ni naritai desu' (In the future, I want to become a [noun]). At this stage, you don't need to worry about the deep nuances between 'shourai' and other future words. Just think of it as the answer to 'What do you want to be when you grow up?' It is an essential word for self-introductions and basic conversations about your goals. You will also see it in very simple contexts like 'shourai no yume' (future dream). Focus on the pronunciation 'shou-rai' and remember that the 'ou' is a long vowel. Even at this basic level, using 'shourai' makes your Japanese sound more structured and ambitious than just using 'itsuka' (someday).

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'shourai' with more complex grammar. You might use it with the particle 'no' to describe things like 'shourai no keikaku' (future plans) or 'shourai no tame ni' (for the sake of the future). You should also start noticing 'shourai' in the context of simple advice or warnings, such as 'Shourai no tame ni benkyou shite kudasai' (Please study for your future). This level involves expanding from just saying 'I want to be' to explaining 'I am doing X for my future.' You will also encounter it in simple reading passages about people's lives or career paths. You should be able to distinguish 'shourai' from 'ashita' (tomorrow) or 'raishuu' (next week), understanding that 'shourai' is a broad, indefinite period that usually starts after one's current phase of life (like after graduation).

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At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance that 'shourai' refers to the future that is a continuation of the present. You'll start using it in more nuanced discussions about societal issues, such as 'Nippon no shourai' (Japan's future) or 'kankyou no shourai' (the future of the environment). This is also the stage where you should learn the suffix '-sei' to form 'shourai-sei' (future potential). You will use 'shourai' in conjunction with conditional forms like '~tara' or '~ba' to discuss hypothetical future outcomes (e.g., 'Shourai, okane ga attara...'). You should also be able to contrast 'shourai' with 'mirai' in simple terms, recognizing that 'shourai' is more personal and grounded. In listening, you'll hear it in interviews where people discuss their 'shourai-zou' (vision for the future).

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At the B2 level, your use of 'shourai' should become more sophisticated, incorporating it into formal arguments and professional contexts. You should be comfortable using phrases like 'shourai o mi-suete' (with an eye toward the future) or 'shourai-teki na tenbou' (future outlook). At this stage, you will encounter 'shourai' in literature and news editorials where it is used to discuss the trajectory of technologies, political movements, and economic trends. You should understand the emotional weight the word carries—often associated with either 'kibou' (hope) or 'fuan' (anxiety). You'll also learn more specific collocations like 'shourai o chikau' (to pledge one's future/get engaged) and understand how 'shourai' functions in different registers, from polite business speech to casual conversations between friends about their life paths.

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At the C1 level, you are expected to understand the subtle philosophical and psychological implications of 'shourai.' You can analyze texts where 'shourai' is used to create a sense of personal responsibility versus 'mirai' which might be used to describe destiny or external forces. You should be able to use 'shourai' in complex rhetorical structures, such as 'shourai o kishite' (vowing for the future) or discussing 'shourai-zuka' (future prospects/expectations) in a business or academic report. Your understanding of the word should extend to its use in historical contexts, where past figures discussed the 'shourai' of the nation. You should also be able to handle the word in high-pressure situations like academic debates or high-level business negotiations where the 'shourai-sei' of a multi-million dollar investment is being scrutinized.

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 'shourai,' including its rare and archaic uses in classical-style modern literature. You can discern why an author chose 'shourai' over 'mirai' or 'zento' to evoke specific nuances of human agency or temporal proximity. You can use the word with perfect naturalness in any context, including wordplay or deep metaphorical usage. You understand how 'shourai' interacts with the Japanese concept of 'unmei' (fate) and 'doryoku' (effort). You are capable of discussing the etymological roots of the kanji 将 and 来 and how their meanings have evolved over centuries to create the modern concept of 'shourai.' Your ability to use this word in elegant, persuasive speech or complex legal and academic writing is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

将来 en 30 secondes

Shourai refers to the future, specifically focusing on personal plans, career aspirations, and foreseeable societal changes that are connected to the present.
The word is composed of kanji meaning 'about to' and 'come,' emphasizing a future that is approaching or resulting from current actions.
It is commonly used in phrases like 'shourai no yume' (future dream) and 'shourai-sei' (future potential) to evaluate talent or business ideas.
Unlike the abstract 'mirai,' shourai is grounded and subjective, making it the primary choice for discussing one's life path and immediate goals.

The Japanese word 将来 (shourai) is a cornerstone of Japanese vocabulary, primarily used to discuss the future from a personal or immediate societal perspective. While English often uses the single word 'future' to cover all instances of time yet to come, Japanese distinguishes between the personal, foreseeable future and the abstract, distant future. Shourai is the word you reach for when talking about your career aspirations, your children's prospects, or the direction a specific company or technology is headed within a human lifetime.

Personal Ambition: When a child is asked what they want to be when they grow up, the question almost always uses 'shourai'. It encapsulates the path an individual takes from the present moment forward into their adult life.

将来は医者になりたいです。 (Shourai wa isha ni naritai desu.)

Translation: I want to be a doctor in the future.

The kanji composition provides deep insight into its meaning. The first character 将 (shou) means 'about to' or 'heading toward,' and it also carries the connotation of a leader or general. The second character 来 (rai) means 'to come.' Together, they describe a state that is 'about to come' or 'approaching.' This is why shourai feels much closer and more connected to the speaker's current actions than its counterpart, mirai.

Societal Outlook: It is also used to discuss the outlook of industries or countries. For example, 'the future of the Japanese economy' often uses shourai because it concerns the tangible outcomes of current policies and trends.

日本の将来について考える。 (Nippon no shourai ni tsuite kangaeru.)

Translation: To think about the future of Japan.

In daily conversation, you will hear this word in job interviews, school counseling sessions, and heart-to-heart talks between friends. It carries a weight of responsibility and planning. If someone says they are worried about their 'shourai,' they aren't worried about the heat death of the universe; they are worried about their pension, their mortgage, or their career stability.

The 'Promising' Nuance: When used as 'shourai-sei' (将来性), it refers to potential. A 'shourai-sei ga aru' person is someone with a bright future ahead of them, often used by scouts or managers.

彼は将来有望な選手だ。 (Kare wa shourai yuubou na senshu da.)

Translation: He is a promising player for the future.

Using 将来 (shourai) correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and an adverbial noun. It most frequently appears at the beginning of a sentence to set the time frame, or as part of a noun phrase modifying another concept. Because it relates to the 'approaching' future, it is often paired with verbs of becoming, planning, or worrying.

As a Time Marker: When used with the particle 'wa', it functions as 'In the future...'. This is the standard way to introduce a long-term goal or vision.

将来は自分の会社を作りたい。 (Shourai wa jibun no kaisha o tsukuritai.)

Translation: In the future, I want to start my own company.

Another common structure is shourai no [noun], which translates to 'future [noun]'. This is used to describe roles or states that haven't happened yet but are planned. Common examples include 'shourai no yume' (future dream) or 'shourai no danna-san' (future husband). This 'no' particle links the concept of the future directly to the identity of the person or thing.

Indicating Potential: The suffix '-sei' can be added to create 'shourai-sei' (将来性), meaning 'future potential' or 'prospects'. This is used to evaluate business ideas or talent.

このビジネスは将来性があります。 (Kono bijinesu wa shouraisei ga arimasu.)

Translation: This business has future potential.

In more formal or academic contexts, shourai is often followed by the particle 'ni' to mean 'eventually' or 'in the future.' While 'shourai wa' sets a broad stage, 'shourai ni' often points toward a specific point in time where an event is expected to occur. However, for beginners, 'shourai wa' is the most versatile and safe option for general discussion.

Negative Contexts: It is frequently used with 'fuan' (anxiety). 'Shourai ga fuan da' is a common expression among young people in Japan, reflecting concerns about the economy or personal life.

将来が不安で夜も眠れません。 (Shourai ga fuan de yoru mo nemuremasen.)

Translation: I'm so anxious about the future I can't sleep at night.

You will encounter 将来 (shourai) in a wide variety of social settings in Japan, ranging from the very formal to the deeply personal. Because the concept of 'the future' is central to education, career, and family life, the word is ubiquitous in Japanese media and daily discourse.

In the Classroom: Japanese schools emphasize 'shourai' from a young age. Students are often asked to write 'sakubun' (essays) titled 'Shourai no Yume' (My Dream for the Future). Teachers use the word to motivate students to study hard for their future benefit.

君の将来のために、今勉強しなさい。 (Kimi no shourai no tame ni, ima benkyou shinasai.)

Translation: Study now for the sake of your future.

In the business world, 'shourai' appears in strategic meetings and performance reviews. Managers might discuss the 'shourai-sei' of a project or a new hire. During 'shuukatsu' (job hunting), candidates are frequently asked, 'Shourai, kono kaisha de nani o shitai desu ka?' (In the future, what do you want to do at this company?). Here, the word bridges the gap between the candidate's current skills and their potential growth.

In Romantic Relationships: When a couple starts talking about 'shourai,' it usually means they are getting serious about marriage. Phrases like 'shourai o chikau' (to pledge one's future) or 'shourai o kangaeru' (to consider a future together) are common milestones in a relationship.

二人で将来のことを話し合った。 (Futari de shourai no koto o hanashiatta.)

Translation: The two of us discussed our future.

Pop culture, especially J-Pop lyrics and Anime, often uses 'shourai' to express hope or determination. Characters might shout about protecting their 'shourai' or fighting for a better one. Unlike 'mirai,' which often feels like a distant, sci-fi concept in these mediums, 'shourai' feels like something the characters can actually grasp and change through their willpower.

Financial Planning: Advertisements for insurance, savings accounts, and investment firms heavily use 'shourai' to appeal to the Japanese value of preparedness (sonae).

将来に備えて貯金する。 (Shourai ni sonaete chokin suru.)

Translation: To save money in preparation for the future.

While 将来 (shourai) seems straightforward, English speakers often struggle with its boundaries, particularly when it overlaps with other words meaning 'future' or 'later.' Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise.

Shourai vs. Mirai: The most common mistake is using 'shourai' when you should use 'mirai' (未来). 'Shourai' is for things connected to the present—your life, your company, your country's immediate path. 'Mirai' is for the abstract, distant future, like 'the future of humanity' or 'time travel to the future.' You can't say 'shourai no robotto' for a sci-fi robot; it must be 'mirai no robotto'.

❌ 1000年後の将来 (1000-nen go no shourai)
✅ 1000年後の未来 (1000-nen go no mirai)

Explanation: 1000 years is too distant and disconnected for 'shourai'.

Another mistake is using 'shourai' to mean 'later today' or 'soon.' In English, we might say 'I will do that in the future' to mean 'sometime later.' In Japanese, 'shourai' always refers to a significant span of time away. If you mean later today, use 'ato de' (後で). If you mean in the near future (weeks or months), use 'chika-jika' (近々) or 'kongo' (今後).

Misusing Particles: Students often forget that 'shourai' doesn't always need a particle when used adverbially, but 'shourai wa' is the standard for 'In the future...'. However, saying 'shourai o' when you mean 'in the future' is a common error. 'Shourai o' is only used when the future is the direct object, such as 'shourai o kangaeru' (thinking about the future).

❌ 将来を、日本に行きたい。 (Shourai o, Nihon ni ikitai.)
✅ 将来、日本に行きたい。 (Shourai, Nihon ni ikitai.)

Explanation: 'Shourai' functions as a time adverb here; 'o' is incorrect.

Finally, be careful with the word 'saki' (先). While 'saki' can mean future, it often refers to 'the destination' or 'the point ahead.' If you are talking about your life path, 'shourai' is more appropriate. Using 'saki' for personal dreams can sound a bit vague or physical rather than temporal.

Confusion with 'Kongo': 'Kongo' (今後) means 'from now on.' It is more immediate than 'shourai.' If you tell a boss 'Shourai ganbarimasu,' it sounds like you'll work hard in ten years. Use 'Kongo ganbarimasu' to mean you'll start working hard immediately.

To truly master 将来 (shourai), you must see how it fits into the broader ecosystem of Japanese time-related words. Choosing the right alternative depends on the distance of time and the level of abstraction.

未来 (Mirai): The most common synonym. Use 'mirai' for sci-fi, the universe, or a distant future that feels objective and detached. Use 'shourai' for subjective, personal, or foreseeable futures.

Comparison:
・自分の将来 (My future)
・地球の未来 (The Earth's future)

Another important word is 今後 (Kongo). This specifically means 'from this point forward' and is used for immediate changes or continuations of behavior. It is very common in business emails (e.g., 'Kongo tomo yoroshiku' - Please continue to treat me well from now on).

先 (Saki): Often used in phrases like 'zutto saki' (far in the future). It emphasizes the distance or the point at the end of a path. 'Shourai' is the state of being; 'saki' is the location in time.

結婚なんて、まだまだ先の話だ。 (Kekkon nante, madamada saki no hanashi da.)

Translation: Marriage is a story for way off in the future.

For formal writing or news, you might see 前途 (Zento). This specifically refers to the 'prospects' or the 'road ahead.' It is most famous in the phrase 'zento-yuubou' (having a bright future), which is a more literary version of 'shourai-sei ga aru'.

後日 (Gojitsu): Used when you mean 'at a later date.' This is practical and specific, often used in scheduling. 'Shourai' is too big for a meeting; 'gojitsu' is perfect.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The kanji '将' is the same one used in 'Shogun' (将軍), the military dictators of Japan. In 'shourai,' it carries the sense of the future being something that is 'commanded' or 'approaching as a leader.'

Guide de prononciation

UK ʃoʊraɪ

US ʃoʊraɪ

In Japanese, there is no strong stress accent like in English, but the 'ou' is a long vowel (two moras), and the 'rai' is also two moras.

Rime avec

Hourai (mythical land) Tourai (arrival) Sourai (coming together) Kourai (Korea/ancient name) Zairai (existing/traditional) Gairai (foreign/imported) Honrai (originally) Denrai (ancestral)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'shou' as a short 'sho' (like 'shot'). It must be long.
Pronouncing 'rai' as 'ray'. It should sound like 'eye'.
Stress on the wrong syllable. Keep the pitch relatively flat.
Confusing the 'r' sound with a hard English 'r'. It should be a light tap like a Spanish 'r' or 'd'.
Missing the long vowel 'u' in 'shou'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The kanji are common and learned early in school.

Écriture 3/5

The kanji '将' has several strokes and requires practice to balance.

Expression orale 1/5

Easy to pronounce once you master the long 'ou' vowel.

Écoute 1/5

Very high frequency word, easy to recognize.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

私 (watashi) 夢 (yume) なりたい (naritai) 今 (ima) 来 (rai/kuru)

Apprends ensuite

未来 (mirai) 今後 (kongo) 計画 (keikaku) 目標 (mokuhyou) 不安 (fuan)

Avancé

嘱望 (shokubou) 雌伏 (shifuku) 禍根 (kakon) 布石 (fuseki) 展望 (tenbou)

Grammaire à connaître

Noun + の + Noun

将来の夢 (Dream of the future)

Noun + になりたい

医者になりたい (Want to become a doctor)

Noun + のために

将来のために (For the sake of the future)

Noun + に備えて

将来に備えて (Preparing for the future)

Adverbial usage of time words

将来、日本に行きます (I will go to Japan in the future - no particle needed)

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Exemples par niveau

将来、先生になりたいです。

In the future, I want to become a teacher.

将来 (Time) + 先生 (Noun) + になりたい (Want to become).

あなたの将来の夢は何ですか。

What is your dream for the future?

将来の (Future's) + 夢 (Dream).

将来、日本に住みたいです。

I want to live in Japan in the future.

将来 (Time) + 住みたい (Want to live).

将来、車を買いたいです。

I want to buy a car in the future.

将来 (Time) + 買いたい (Want to buy).

将来は、何をしますか。

What will you do in the future?

将来は (As for the future) + 何をしますか (What will you do?).

将来、有名な人になりたいです。

I want to become a famous person in the future.

将来 (Time) + 有名な人 (Famous person) + になりたい.

将来、大きい家がほしいです。

I want a big house in the future.

将来 (Time) + ほしい (Want).

将来、医者になります。

I will become a doctor in the future.

将来 (Time) + 医者になります (Will become a doctor).

将来のために、毎日勉強しています。

I am studying every day for the sake of the future.

将来のために (For the sake of the future).

将来の計画について話しましょう。

Let's talk about future plans.

将来の計画 (Future plans).

将来、どんな仕事をしたいですか。

What kind of work do you want to do in the future?

将来 (Time) + どんな仕事 (What kind of work).

将来、お金持ちになりたいです。

I want to be rich in the future.

将来 (Time) + お金持ち (Rich person).

将来は、田舎で暮らしたいです。

In the future, I want to live in the countryside.

将来は (As for the future) + 田舎で暮らしたい (Want to live in the countryside).

将来、日本で働きたいと考えています。

I am thinking that I want to work in Japan in the future.

考えています (Thinking).

将来のことは、まだ分かりません。

I don't know about the future yet.

将来のこと (Things about the future).

将来、世界中を旅行したいです。

I want to travel all over the world in the future.

世界中 (All over the world) + 旅行したい (Want to travel).

日本の将来について、どう思いますか。

What do you think about the future of Japan?

日本の将来 (Japan's future).

この会社は将来性があると思います。

I think this company has future potential.

将来性 (Future potential).

将来に備えて、貯金を始めました。

I started saving money in preparation for the future.

将来に備えて (Preparing for the future).

将来、自分の店を持つのが夢です。

My dream is to have my own shop in the future.

自分の店を持つ (To have one's own shop).

子供たちの将来を心配しています。

I am worried about the children's future.

将来を心配する (To worry about the future).

将来、海外で生活するつもりです。

I intend to live abroad in the future.

つもりです (Intend to).

将来、何が起こるか予測するのは難しい。

It is difficult to predict what will happen in the future.

予測する (To predict).

将来の目標を達成するために努力します。

I will make an effort to achieve my future goals.

目標を達成する (To achieve goals).

彼は将来有望な若手社員として期待されている。

He is expected to be a promising young employee for the future.

将来有望 (Promising future).

将来を見据えて、新しいスキルを身につける。

With an eye on the future, I will acquire new skills.

将来を見据えて (Looking ahead to the future).

この技術は将来的に大きな影響を与えるだろう。

This technology will likely have a major impact in the future.

将来的に (In the future/Eventually).

将来の不安を解消するために、投資を始めた。

I started investing to resolve my anxieties about the future.

不安を解消する (To resolve anxiety).

彼女は将来の伴侶として彼を選んだ。

She chose him as her future partner.

将来の伴侶 (Future companion/partner).

将来、エネルギー問題はさらに深刻になるだろう。

In the future, the energy problem will likely become even more serious.

深刻になる (To become serious).

若者の将来を奪うような政策には反対だ。

I am opposed to policies that rob young people of their future.

将来を奪う (To rob of the future).

将来のビジョンを明確にすることが大切だ。

It is important to clarify your vision for the future.

ビジョンを明確にする (To clarify a vision).

将来を嘱望されていた彼が、突然辞職した。

He, whose future was highly expected, suddenly resigned.

嘱望される (To be expected/hoped for).

将来の展望は、依然として不透明なままだ。

The future outlook remains opaque.

展望 (Outlook) + 不透明 (Opaque/Unclear).

将来を期して、今は雌伏の時を過ごす。

Vowing for the future, I will spend this time lying low.

将来を期して (With an eye toward the future/vowing).

将来の世代に負の遺産を残してはならない。

We must not leave a negative legacy for future generations.

負の遺産 (Negative legacy).

将来を見通す力は、リーダーにとって不可欠だ。

The ability to foresee the future is essential for a leader.

見通す (To see through/foresee).

将来、この地がどのように変貌するか楽しみだ。

I look forward to seeing how this place will transform in the future.

変貌する (To transform).

将来の不確実性にどう対処すべきかが問われている。

The question is how we should deal with future uncertainty.

不確実性 (Uncertainty).

将来、歴史家はこの時代をどう評価するだろうか。

How will historians evaluate this era in the future?

評価する (To evaluate).

将来の禍根を断つために、今、断固たる処置が必要だ。

In order to cut off future sources of trouble, decisive action is needed now.

禍根を断つ (To cut off the root of evil/trouble).

将来への布石として、この提携は極めて重要である。

As a strategic move for the future, this alliance is extremely important.

布石 (Strategic move/laying the groundwork).

将来、人類が到達しうる極致とは何であろうか。

What is the ultimate height that humanity can reach in the future?

極致 (Ultimate height/pinnacle).

将来の成否は、ひとえに我々の双肩にかかっている。

Future success or failure depends entirely on our shoulders.

双肩にかかっている (To rest on one's shoulders).

将来、この作品が古典として語り継がれることを願う。

I hope that this work will be passed down as a classic in the future.

語り継がれる (To be passed down).

将来の憂いをなくすべく、万全の体制を整える。

In order to eliminate future worries, we will establish a perfect system.

憂い (Worry/grief).

将来、この決断が歴史の転換点であったと気づくだろう。

In the future, we will realize that this decision was a turning point in history.

転換点 (Turning point).

将来の夢想に耽るのではなく、現実に即して行動せよ。

Do not indulge in future daydreams; act in accordance with reality.

夢想に耽る (To indulge in daydreams).

Synonymes

未来今後前途先後日

Antonymes

過去現在

Collocations courantes

将来の夢

将来性がある

将来に備える

将来を考える

将来有望な

将来を誓う

将来が不安だ

将来を見据える

日本の将来

将来の計画

Phrases Courantes

将来、何になりたい？

— What do you want to be in the future? This is the standard question for children.

将来、何になりたい？僕はパイロットになりたい！

近い将来

— In the near future. Used for events expected to happen soon.

近い将来、この問題は解決するだろう。

将来の伴侶

— Future spouse or life partner. A formal way to refer to a fiancé or serious partner.

彼女を将来の伴侶として紹介した。

将来のために

— For the sake of the future. A common motivation for hard work or saving.

将来のために、英語を勉強しています。

明るい将来

— A bright future. A positive outlook on what is to come.

子供たちには明るい将来が待っている。

将来を担う

— To carry the future on one's shoulders. Used for the next generation.

将来を担う若者たちを教育する。

将来にわたって

— Extending into the future. Used for long-term effects.

将来にわたって影響が続く。

将来の展望

— Future outlook or prospects. Common in business reports.

業界の将来の展望を分析する。

将来の不安

— Anxiety about the future. A very common societal theme in Japan.

将来の不安を抱えながら生きる。

将来を約束する

— To promise the future. Often refers to an engagement or a guaranteed career path.

彼は彼女に将来を約束した。

Souvent confondu avec

将来 vs 未来 (Mirai)

English 'future' covers both. Use 'Shourai' for personal/near future. Use 'Mirai' for distant/abstract/sci-fi future.

将来 vs 今後 (Kongo)

Use 'Kongo' for 'from now on' (immediate). Use 'Shourai' for a general time later in life.

将来 vs 後で (Ato de)

Use 'Ato de' for 'later today'. 'Shourai' is much further away.

Expressions idiomatiques

"将来を嘱望される"

— To have great things expected of one's future. Used for rising stars.

彼は将来を嘱望されている若手政治家だ。

Formal

"将来の禍根を断つ"

— To eliminate the source of future trouble. Literally 'cutting the root of future evil.'

今のうちに将来の禍根を断っておくべきだ。

Formal/Literary

"将来を期する"

— To vow or resolve to achieve something in the future.

再起を将来に期する。

Formal

"将来を見通す"

— To have foresight; to see what is coming in the future.

彼は将来を見通す目を持っている。

Neutral

"将来を棒に振る"

— To ruin one's future. Literally 'to swing one's future like a stick' (waste it).

一度の過ちで将来を棒に振ってしまった。

Neutral/Idiomatic

"将来の夢を託す"

— To entrust one's future dreams to someone else (like a child).

親は子供に将来の夢を託すことが多い。

Neutral

"将来の布石を打つ"

— To make a strategic move for the future. From the game of Go.

新市場への参入は、将来の布石を打つためだ。

Business

"将来を占う"

— To predict or 'divine' the future. Often used metaphorically for trends.

この選挙の結果が、国の将来を占うことになる。

Neutral

"将来に望みをつなぐ"

— To keep hope alive for the future.

わずかな可能性に、将来の望みをつなぐ。

Literary

"将来を嘱目する"

— To keep an eye on someone's future potential.

彼は業界全体から将来を嘱目されている。

Formal

Facile à confondre

将来 vs 未来 (Mirai)

Both translate to 'future' in English.

Shourai is subjective and connected to the present. Mirai is objective and often distant. You say 'my shourai' but 'the world's mirai'.

将来の夢 (My dream) vs 未来の技術 (Future technology).

将来 vs 今後 (Kongo)

Both refer to time after the present.

Kongo starts right now. Shourai starts at some point in the future. If you start a diet, it's 'kongo'. If you want to be a chef, it's 'shourai'.

今後気をつけます (I'll be careful from now on).

将来 vs 先 (Saki)

Both can mean 'ahead' in time.

Saki is a point or a destination. Shourai is a period of time or a state of being.

3年先 (Three years ahead).

将来 vs 後日 (Gojitsu)

Both mean 'a later time'.

Gojitsu is specific and used for scheduling. Shourai is broad and used for life paths.

後日伺います (I will visit another day).

将来 vs 来世 (Raise)

Both refer to a time after the current state.

Raise is specifically the life after death. Shourai is the rest of your current life.

来世で会いましょう (Let's meet in the next life).

Structures de phrases

将来、[Noun]になりたいです。

将来、看護師になりたいです。

将来のために、[Verb-te]います。

将来のために、毎日運動しています。

将来、[Verb-plain]のが夢です。

将来、自分の家を建てるのが夢です。

将来を見据えて、[Verb-plain]べきだ。

将来を見据えて、貯金するべきだ。

将来、[Noun]が[Verb-conditional]、[Result]。

将来、人口が減少すれば、経済は衰退するだろう。

将来の[Noun]を[Verb-base]べく、[Action]。

将来の憂いをなくすべく、今から準備する。

将来は、[Place]で[Verb]たいです。

将来は、北海道で暮らしたいです。

将来、[Noun]になる可能性があります。

将来、彼は社長になる可能性があります。

Famille de mots

Noms

将来性 (shouraisei - future potential)

将来像 (shouraizou - future image/vision)

将来設計 (shouraisekkei - future planning)

Verbes

将来する (shourai suru - to bring about/cause - rare/archaic use)

Apparenté

未来 (mirai - abstract future)

今後 (kongo - from now on)

先 (saki - ahead)

前途 (zento - prospects)

来世 (raise - next life)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation, education, and business.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'shourai' for 1000 years in the future. → 未来 (Mirai)
'Shourai' is only for foreseeable or personal futures. 1000 years is too distant.
Saying 'shourai o' to mean 'in the future'. → 将来 (no particle) or 将来は
'Shourai' functions as a time adverb. 'O' is only for when it's a direct object (e.g., 'thinking about the future').
Using 'shourai' to mean 'later today'. → 後で (Ato de)
'Shourai' is for long-term timeframes, not hours.
Confusing 'shourai' with 'ashita'. → 明日 (Ashita)
'Shourai' is the broad future; 'ashita' is specifically tomorrow.
Using 'shourai' for the future of the universe. → 未来 (Mirai)
Scientific/universal concepts always use 'mirai'.

Astuces

Dream Big

When someone asks about your 'shourai no yume', don't just say a job title. You can use 'shourai' to describe the kind of life you want to lead.

The 'No' Connection

Use the particle 'no' to link 'shourai' to any noun you want to project into the future, like 'shourai no kodomo' (future children).

Preparation is Key

Japanese culture values 'sonae' (preparation). Using 'shourai ni sonaete' (preparing for the future) shows you understand this cultural value.

Shourai vs Mirai

If you are talking about yourself, use 'shourai'. If you are talking about robots or space travel, use 'mirai'.

Professional Potential

In business, use 'shourai-sei' to describe why a project or person is worth investing in.

Intonation

Keep the pitch of 'shourai' relatively flat but ensure the 'ou' is clearly longer than the 'a' in 'rai'.

Context Clues

If you hear 'shourai' followed by a negative word like 'fuan', the speaker is expressing worry. If followed by 'yume', they are expressing hope.

Kanji Balance

When writing '将', make sure the left side (the 'sho' radical) is slightly smaller than the right side to keep the character balanced.

The General's Arrival

Remember: The General (Shou) is Coming (Rai). That is your future.

Future Suffixes

Adding '-teki ni' to 'shourai' creates an adverb that means 'from a future perspective' or 'eventually'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a **SHOU**gun (将) who is **RAI**ding (来) the future. He is leading you toward what is coming next in your life.

Association visuelle

Imagine a long road stretching out from your feet. At the end of the road is a sign that says 'SHOURAI'. You are walking toward it right now.

Word Web

Dream Career Success Planning Anxiety Potential Becoming Foreseeable

Défi

Try to write three sentences about your 'shourai no yume' (future dream) using 'shourai wa', 'shourai no', and 'shourai-sei'.

Origine du mot

The word is composed of two Chinese-derived kanji (Sino-Japanese). '将' (shou) originally meant a general or to lead, but it also functions as an adverb meaning 'about to' or 'shall.' '来' (rai) means to come.

Sens originel : The original meaning in Chinese was 'about to come' or 'approaching time.'

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Contexte culturel

Be sensitive when asking adults about their 'shourai' if they are struggling with employment, as it can be a source of stress (shourai no fuan).

English speakers often use 'future' for everything. In Japanese, using 'shourai' for personal things and 'mirai' for sci-fi things is a key distinction to master.

The song 'Shourai no Yume' by various J-Pop artists. Common theme in 'Slice of Life' anime where characters graduate high school. Frequent topic in 'Shuukan Diamond' or other Japanese business magazines.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Job Interview

将来はこの会社で貢献したいです。
将来のビジョンを教えてください。
将来性のある事業ですね。
将来はマネージャーになりたいです。

School/Education

将来の夢はありますか？
将来のために勉強しなさい。
将来、留学したいです。
将来の進路について悩んでいます。

Dating/Relationships

二人の将来について話したい。
将来、結婚したいね。
将来の子供は何人がいい？
将来、一緒に住もう。

Financial Planning

将来の備えは万全ですか？
将来のために貯金する。
将来の年金が心配だ。
将来を見据えた投資信託。

News/Society

日本の将来は明るいですか？
将来の人口減少問題。
将来的な技術革新。
将来の世代への責任。

Amorces de conversation

"将来、どんなところに住んでみたいですか？ (In the future, what kind of place do you want to live in?)"

"あなたの将来の夢は何ですか？ (What is your dream for the future?)"

"将来、日本で働いてみたいと思いますか？ (Do you think you want to work in Japan in the future?)"

"将来のために今、何か努力していることはありますか？ (Is there anything you are working hard on now for the sake of the future?)"

"10年後の将来、自分はどうなっていると思いますか？ (In the future 10 years from now, what do you think you will be like?)"

Sujets d'écriture

私の将来の夢について。 (About my dream for the future. Write at least 100 words.)

将来、日本に行ったら何をしたいですか？ (What do you want to do if you go to Japan in the future?)

将来の不安と、それをどう解決するか。 (Your anxieties about the future and how you will solve them.)

子供の頃の将来の夢と、今の夢の違い。 (The difference between your childhood future dream and your current dream.)

将来の自分へのメッセージ。 (A message to your future self.)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, 'shourai' refers to a much more distant time, usually years away or a different phase of life. For 'later today,' use 'ato de' (後で).

'Shourai' is personal and connected to your current path (e.g., career dreams). 'Mirai' is abstract, distant, or scientific (e.g., the future of the planet).

It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In very formal business settings, 'shourai-teki ni' or 'tenbou' might be preferred.

You can say 'shourai-sei ga aru' (has future potential) or 'shourai yuubou' (promising future).

No, it is a noun. You cannot say 'shourai suru' to mean 'to future.' You must use it with verbs like 'naru' (become) or 'kangaeru' (think).

The most common way is 'shourai' or 'shourai wa' at the beginning of the sentence.

It means 'future dream' and is the standard way Japanese people talk about what they want to do for a career.

Yes, because the company's future is a direct result of its current state and actions.

Yes, constantly! Characters often talk about their 'shourai' when discussing graduation or their goals in life.

Yes, 'shourai-teki ni' is often translated as 'eventually' or 'in the long run.'

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