Meaning

Primary

Expectation

Alternative

Anticipation

Word Type

noun, verbal noun

Explanation

For a period of time you have to wait. During this waiting period, you’re building up an expectation or anticipation for something to happen a certain way. Waiting, expecting, waiting, expecting…

期待 specifically refers to the feeling of expectation or anticipation for a desired outcome.

Reading

きたい
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word that uses the on'yomi readings of the kanji. You should be able to read this on your own.

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • 期待をする

    to have expectations

    期待をかける

    to hang one's hopes on something

    期待を持つ

    to have expectations

Context Sentences

あの大学院生には、もっと期待してたのに。

I expected more from the grad student.

この前わざわざ日本から送ってもらったカップラーメンは期待外れでした。

The cup ramen that I got sent from Japan the other day was disappointing.

ウォール・ストリートは常にトップレベルの人材を求めていますが、コウイチならきっとそこでも期待に応えられると思います。

Wall Street always needs top-level talent and I’m pretty sure that Koichi will be able to live up to those expectations.

Kanji Composition