カサンドラ
kasandora
The English phrase "cassandra" is translated into Japanese as カサンドラ (kasandora).
The term refers to a person who makes dire predictions.
Meaning: person who makes dire predictions (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
kasandora
Did you know?
- While an English speaker uses 'Cassandra' for any prophet of doom, a Japanese speaker using カサンドラ is almost certainly discussing the psychological phenomenon of the 'Cassandra Complex' in a relationship.
- Because カサンドラ is a foreign loanword, it is written in the katakana alphabet rather than the native kanji used for many other nouns. This visually signals to a Japanese reader that the concept originates from Western literature or Greek mythology.
- Unlike the English usage which focuses on the tragedy of the ignored prediction, the Japanese usage of カサンドラ focuses on the psychological isolation of the speaker.
Examples in context
- カサンドラさん、こんにちは！Hello, Cassandra!
- Kasandora様、お会いできて光栄ですCassandra, it's an honor to meet you!
- キャサンドラ、元気？Hey Cassandra, how are you?
- 彼はカサンドラのように不吉な予言をする。Kare wa Kasandora no yō ni fukitsu na yogen o suru.He makes ominous predictions like a Cassandra.
- その作家はカサンドラの役割を演じた。Sono sakka wa Kasandora no yakuwari o enjita.The writer played the role of a Cassandra.
Example conversation
Yui and Daito are talking about a failing project at work.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの計画は絶対に失敗するよ。Kono keikaku wa zettai ni shippai suru yo.This plan is definitely going to fail.
- 結衣 Yui大翔くんはいつもカサンドラみたいに言うね。Daito-kun wa itsumo kasandora mitai ni iu ne.Daito, you always sound like a Cassandra.
- 大翔 Hirotoでも、僕の言うことはいつも当たるんだ。Demo, boku no iu koto wa itsumo ataru nda.But what I say always comes true.
- 結衣 Yui今回はうまくいくって信じたいな。Konkai wa umaku iku tte shinjitai na.I want to believe it will go well this time.
