将来は
shōrai wa
The English phrase "in the future" can be translated into Japanese using 将来は (shōrai wa) or これから.
Meaning: at a future time (prep_phrase)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 将来は | shōrai wa | |
| これから | kore kara | [ko̞ɾe̞ka̠ɾa̠] (narrow) |
Use 将来は when discussing long-term life paths or career aspirations. Use これから when expressing a commitment to change a habit or starting a new action immediately.
What does it mean word for word?
The form 将来は breaks down into 将来 (shōrai), meaning "future" and は (wa), which is the topic marker, literally meaning "as for the future". The form これから is composed of これ (kore), meaning "this" and から (kara), meaning "from", literally translating to "from this/now".
Which one should you use?
将来は refers to a distant or indefinite future. In contrast, これから refers to the immediate future or a change in behavior starting from the present moment, often translated as "from now on".
How do you pronounce it?
shōrai wa
Did you know?
- While 将来 ('shōrai') is used for personal futures, the word 未来 ('mirai') is used for the future of humanity or technology. You would use 未来 to describe a sci-fi city but 将来 to describe your own dream job.
- Using これから ('kore kara') when apologizing for a mistake transforms the phrase into a promise of improvement. It shifts the focus from the past error to a commitment for the future.
- While これから ('kore kara') means 'from now', adding the particle は ('wa') can make it sound like a defiant or firm resolution. This subtle change emphasizes the break between the past and the new future.
Examples in context
- 将来は何になりたいの？What do you want to be in the future?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's career aspirations with 将来は.Tatoeba #3564031 by tommy_san, translation #267477 by CK
- これからもっと勉強します。I'll study harder in the future.This sentence is useful for expressing a commitment to a new action starting now with これから.Tatoeba #218965 by Kaede, translation #56279 by CK
- 将来はパイロットになりたいです。I want to be a pilot in the future.This sentence is useful for discussing long-term life plans with 将来は.Tatoeba #1171044 by bunbuku, translation #258623 by CK
- 将来的な問題に対処する必要があります。We need to address future challenges.
- 未来の社会を作りましょう。Let's build the society of the future.
- 科学の進歩は未来への希望です。Scientific progress is hope for the future.
- 将来的に結婚したいな。I'd like to get married in the future.
- そのバンド、将来的に有名になるかも。That band might become famous in the future.
- 今後の計画教えてよ。Tell me about your future plans.
- このイベントは今後も続く予定です。This event is planned to continue in the future.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are talking about their dream homes.
- 健太 Kenta将来は、広い家に住みたいです。Shourai wa, hiroi ie ni sumitai desu.In the future, I want to live in a spacious house.
- 結衣 Yuiいいですね。庭もありますか？Ii desu ne. Niwa mo arimasu ka?That sounds nice. Will it have a garden too?
- 健太 Kentaはい、大きな庭がほしいです。Hai, ookina niwa ga hoshii desu.Yes, I want a big garden.
- 結衣 Yui結衣も同じ夢を持っています。Yui mo onaji yume o motte imasu.Yui has the same dream.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “in the future” translations and entries これから, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
