思惑(おもわく)

おもわく
noun
expectation, speculation; ulterior motive
cognition
1. expectation, calculation, speculation
One's anticipated outcome or plan for how things will turn out. Often implies a strategic or self-interested calculation.
思惑(おもわく)どおりに事(こと)が進(すす)んだ。
Things went according to plan.
思惑(おもわく)が外(はず)れて損失(そんしつ)が出(で)た。
The speculation didn't pan out and we incurred losses.
各国(かっこく)の思惑(おもわく)が絡(から)み合(あ)って、交渉(こうしょう)は難航(なんこう)した。
The negotiations stalled as each country's calculations clashed.
2. ulterior motive, hidden agenda
An undisclosed intention or self-serving motive behind an action. Carries a somewhat negative or suspicious nuance.
彼(かれ)の親切(しんせつ)には何(なに)か思惑(おもわく)がありそうだ。
There seems to be an ulterior motive behind his kindness.
政治的(せいじてき)な思惑(おもわく)が働(はたら)いている。
Political motives are at work.
さまざまな思惑(おもわく)を持(も)った人々(ひとびと)が集(あつ)まっているから、意見(いけん)がまとまらない。
Since people with various ulterior motives have gathered, opinions can't be unified.

Usage

A nuanced word that suggests strategic thinking. Sense 1 is neutral — one's plans or expectations. Sense 2 is more negative, implying hidden or selfish motives. Common in political and business reporting.

Pronunciation

The kanji 思惑(おもわく) is an irregular reading (jukujikun). The standard on'yomi reading しわく exists but is rare.

Common collocations

Related Words

Compare: 下心(したごころ) (ulterior motive)
Compare: 魂胆(こんたん) (scheme)
general
Added 2026.2.21 22:29 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
12500/12574_omowaku