期待 — meaning in English: Expectation

kitai · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for expectation

理由

riyū

犯罪

hanzai

期待

kitai

住宅

jūtaku

地面

jimen

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Japanese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use 期待 (kitai) in various contexts where they express hope or anticipation for future events or outcomes. For example, a student might say 期待しています (kitai shiteimasu) when looking forward to exam results, while a manager might express 期待 in a meeting about project outcomes.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym of 期待 is 予想 (yosou), which means 'prediction.' While 期待 conveys a sense of hope or desire for a positive outcome, 予想 is more about forecasting based on logic or evidence. Use 期待 when you feel emotionally invested in the outcome.

Culture

The word 期待 (kitai) has roots in the kanji 期 (ki), meaning 'period' or 'time,' combined with 待 (tai), meaning 'to wait.' This reflects a cultural emphasis on patience and anticipation. In Japanese society, setting high expectations, especially in work and education, is often seen as a sign of ambition and growth.

FAQ

Q.What does 期待 mean in English?

期待 (kitai) translates to 'expectation' in English, conveying the sense of looking forward to something with anticipation.

Q.How do you use 期待 in a sentence?

You can use 期待 in a sentence like 彼の成功を期待しています (kare no seikou wo kitai shiteimasu), meaning 'I am expecting his success.'

Q.Is 期待 a formal or informal word?

期待 is considered neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal situations, such as conversations with friends or in professional settings.

Learn japanese with Maspeak →

Japanese 2000