Meaning and Usage
"未来" (みらい) refers to the time that is yet to come, the future. It is often used in both everyday conversation and formal contexts to talk about what lies ahead in life, technology, plans, or dreams.
Common Collocations
- 未来の夢 (みらいのゆめ): dreams for the future
- 未来の技術 (みらいのぎじゅつ): future technology
- 未来のこと (みらいのこと): matters concerning the future
Nuances and Register
"未来" is a neutral term and can be used in both casual and formal speech. It often carries a hopeful or optimistic nuance when discussing plans or aspirations.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "未来" with "将来" (しょうらい). While both mean "future," "将来" often refers more to one's personal future or career prospects, whereas "未来" can be broader, including the distant future or abstract concepts.
Use "未来" when emphasizing the time ahead in a general or broad sense.