neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers often use '仮定' (katei) in discussions about hypothetical situations, especially in academic or professional settings. For instance, in a business meeting, one might say, 'If we assume that sales increase, what will our strategy be?' to explore potential outcomes based on assumptions.
Synonyms & nuances
'仮定' (katei) is often compared to '前提' (zentei), which translates to 'premise.' While both involve a form of assumption, '仮定' is more about hypothetical scenarios, whereas '前提' refers to established conditions that support a conclusion. Use '仮定' when discussing theoretical situations and '前提' when laying the groundwork for arguments.
Culture
'仮定' (katei) comes from the kanji '仮' meaning 'temporary' or 'provisional' and '定' meaning 'to decide.' This reflects the nature of making assumptions as provisional judgments. In Japanese culture, assumptions can be a starting point for deeper discussions, as they encourage exploration of possibilities, which is vital in consensus-driven decision-making.
FAQ
Q.What is the meaning of 仮定 in English?
'仮定' (katei) translates to 'assumption' in English, which refers to something accepted as true or as certain to happen without proof.
Q.How do you use 仮定 in a sentence?
You can use '仮定' in sentences like '私たちが仮定するなら、来年は売上が上がるでしょう' which means 'If we assume, sales will increase next year.' It often introduces a conditional clause.
Q.Is there a common mistake when using 仮定?
A common mistake is confusing '仮定' with '事実' (jijitsu), which means 'fact.' Remember, '仮定' refers to assumptions or hypothetical scenarios, while '事実' is about confirmed truths.