Translation and Meaning of: 将来 - shourai
The Japanese word 将来 [しょうらい] is an essential term for anyone learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. It carries a deep meaning and is frequently used in everyday conversations, formal texts, and even in discussions about personal plans. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used in daily life, and some curiosities that can help you memorize it better. If you have ever wondered how Japanese people perceive the future or how to express your goals in the language, this text is for you.
Meaning and translation of 将来
将来 is a word that means "future" in Japanese, but not in the generic sense of time that has not yet arrived. It is more related to a person's personal future, prospects, and plans. For example, when someone says "将来の夢" (しょうらいのゆめ), they are talking about "dreams for the future" or "aspirations." The closest translation in Portuguese would be something like "futuro" or "porvir," but with a more individual nuance.
Unlike words like 未来[みらい], which also means "future," 将来 has a more practical and less abstract tone. While 未来 can be used to talk about the future of humanity or distant events, 将来 is more related to what a person hopes to achieve or experience. This distinction is important to use the word correctly in different contexts.
Cultural use and frequency in Japanese
In Japan, discussing 将来 is common, especially in educational and professional contexts. Teachers often ask students about their "将来の夢" (future dreams), and job interviews may include questions such as "将来どうなりたいですか？" (What do you want to be in the future?). This word reflects the importance that Japanese society places on planning and perseverance in pursuing goals.
Moreover, 将来 frequently appears in newspapers, speeches, and even in song lyrics. Its presence in the media shows how the concept of the future is central to Japanese culture, often linked to values such as effort and responsibility. It's no wonder that it is one of the first words that Japanese language learners learn when they start discussing goals and expectations.
Tips for memorizing and using 将来
An effective way to remember the meaning of 将来 is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of sentences like "将来のために勉強する" (I study for the future) or "将来は医者になりたい" (In the future, I want to be a doctor). These examples show how the word is connected to personal actions and plans, which makes memorization easier.
Another tip is to observe the kanjis that make up the word: 将 (which can mean "commander" or "future") and 来 ("to come"). Together, they reinforce the idea of something that is to come, something that will be achieved. This decomposition helps to understand not only the meaning but also the correct writing of the term. With practice and exposure to real contexts, using 将来 will become natural in your Japanese vocabulary.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 未来 (Mirai) - Future
- あす (Asu) - Tomorrow (more casual use)
- あした (Ashita) - Tomorrow (more formal use)
- しょうらい (Shōrai) - Future (broad perspective)
- らいねん (Rainen) - Next year
- らいしゅう (Raishū) - Next week
- らいご (Raigo) - Next school (school year)
Romaji: shourai
Kana: しょうらい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4
Translation / Meaning: Future perspectives
Meaning in English: future;prospects
Definition: An event scheduled or course of events or time beyond this point.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences
How to Write in Japanese - (将来) shourai
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (将来) shourai:
Example Sentences - (将来) shourai
See below some example sentences:
Shitsuke wa kodomo no shourai ni ookina eikyou wo ataemasu
Discipline has a big impact on children's future.
Discipline has a significant impact on a child's future.
- 躾 (しつけ) - discipline, education
- 子供 (こども) - child
- 将来 (しょうらい) - future
- 大きな (おおきな) - large
- 影響 (えいきょう) - influence
- 与えます (あたえます) - give, grant
Shourai no yume wa nan desu ka?
What is your dream for the future?
What is your future dream?
- 将来 (shourai) - future
- の (no) - Possession particle
- 夢 (yume) - Dream
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 何 (nani) - what
- ですか (desu ka) - polite way of asking
Toushi wa shourai no seikou e no kagi desu
Investing is the key to future success.
- 投資 (toushi) - Investment
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 将来 (shourai) - future
- の (no) - Possession particle
- 成功 (seikou) - success
- へ (e) - Direction particle
- の (no) - Possession particle
- 鍵 (kagi) - key
- です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present
Watashi no musuko wa shourai yuubou na wakamono desu
My son is a promising young man for the future.
My son is a young man with promise for the future.
- 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
- の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "of"
- 子息 - noun that means "son"
- は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "is"
- 将来 - noun meaning "future"
- 有望 - adjective that means "promising"
- な - particle that connects the adjective to the noun, equivalent to "of"
- 若者 - noun that means "young"
- です - verb that indicates the polite form of the present, equivalent to "is"
Chochiku wa shourai no tame no taisetsu na shisan desu
Saving is an important asset for the future.
- 貯蓄 - Savings
- は - Topic particle
- 将来 - future
- のため - for
- 大切 - important
- な - adjective particle
- 資産 - asset, equity
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
