未来
mirai
The Japanese phrase for "future" is 未来 (mirai).
未来 is used to refer to the time that is yet to come.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 未 (not yet) and 来 (to come), literally meaning "not yet come".
How do you pronounce it?
mirai
Did you know?
- While 未来 describes the future as a concept, the grammar of the Japanese language does not have a dedicated 'future tense' like English does, instead using aspects to imply that an action has not yet occurred.
- The term 未来 is actually a translation of an ancient Sanskrit concept used in Buddhist texts to describe a time that has not yet arrived.
- Japanese has another common word for 'future' called 将来 (shōrai), which is typically used for a person's own life or immediate career path rather than the distant future of humanity.
Examples in context
- 私の 未来の夢 は、国際交流の仕事に携わることです。My dream for the future is to work in the field of international relations.
- 未来は明るいと思います。Mirai wa akarui to omoimasu.I think the future is bright.
- 未来の自分に手紙を書きました。Mirai no jibun ni tegami o kakimashita.I wrote a letter to my future self.
- 技術が未来を変えるでしょう。Gijutsu ga mirai o kaeru deshou.Technology will likely change the future.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their dreams for the future.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵は未来に何をしたい？Himari wa mirai ni nani o shitai?Himari, what do you want to do in the future?
- 陽葵 Himari世界中を旅したいな。Sekaijuu o tabi shitai na.I want to travel all over the world.
- 大翔 Hirotoそれはいい考えだね。Sore wa ii kangae da ne.That is a great idea.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔はどうしたいの？Hiroto wa dou shitai no?What about you, Hiroto?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 未来, CC BY-SA 4.0.
