見込み

みこみ

prospects, expectation, hope

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 見込み (みこみ) refers to the prospect, expectation, or hope that something will happen or succeed. It is often used in business, planning, and everyday conversation to express the likelihood or forecast of an event or outcome.

Common Contexts

見込み is frequently used when discussing future possibilities such as project success, sales forecasts, or personal advancement. It conveys a sense of calculated expectation rather than mere wishful thinking.

Typical Collocations

  • 見込みがある: to have prospects or potential
  • 見込みがない: to have no chance or prospect
  • 売上見込み: sales forecast
  • 成功の見込み: chance of success

Register and Nuance

This word is neutral and appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, especially in business or academic settings. It implies a reasoned expectation based on information or analysis.

Common Learner Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 見込み with 希望 (きぼう), which means 'hope' but is more about desire than calculated expectation. 見込み focuses on realistic prospects, so use it when you want to express likelihood backed by some basis.

Example Sentences

このぷろじぇくとはせいこうするみこみがたかい。

This project has a high chance of success.

らいねんのうりあげみこみをたてるひつようがある。

We need to make a sales forecast for next year.

かれはしょうしんのみこみがあるといわれている。

He is said to have prospects for promotion.