(しょうらい)

しょうらい
noun
future
1. future, prospects
The time that is to come.
将来(しょうらい)(ゆめ)(なん)です
What is your dream for the future?
将来(しょうらい)医者(いしゃ)なりたい
I want to become a doctor in the future.
将来(しょうらい)こと(かんが)えている
I'm thinking about the future.
I decided to start saving money now for the future.
You should start thinking seriously now about what kind of job you want in the future.

将来(しょうらい) refers to the future, especially regarding personal goals, careers, and life plans.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • 将来(しょうらい)(ゆめ): dream for the future
  • 将来(しょうらい)(せい): future potential, prospects
  • 将来(しょうらい)のために: for the future
  • 将来(しょうらい)(かんが)える: to think about the future

PATTERNS:

  • 将来(しょうらい)、~になりたい: In the future, I want to become ~
  • 将来(しょうらい)どうするの: What will you do in the future?

CONTRAST:

  • 未来(みらい): future (more abstract, distant, or sci-fi context)
  • 将来(しょうらい): future (personal plans, realistic timeframe)

将来(しょうらい) is used for attainable personal futures, while 未来(みらい) is broader or more distant.