Translation and Meaning of: 予報 - yohou

The word 「予報」 (yohou) is composed of two distinct kanji: 「予」 and 「報」. The first, 「予」 (yo), means "previous" or "prior," and is often used in words that indicate anticipation or preparation. The second kanji, 「報」 (hou), means "to inform" or "to report." When combined, they form the word "forecast," in the context of "prior information," especially used to refer to weather forecasts.

Etymologically, both parts of the word 「予報」 have distinct histories. The kanji 「予」 is composed of radicals that indicate "in advance" and "to say," reinforcing the idea of saying something before it happens. The kanji 「報」 originates from radicals associated with the notion of "reward" and "information," suggesting the idea of informational returns. Thus, the combination of both characters perfectly captures the essence of conveying information before something occurs, a concept primarily applied in the context of weather.

In everyday life, 「予報」 is mainly associated with weather forecasts. However, in a broader sense, the expression can be used to refer to other types of predictions or advance reports, such as market forecasts, economic forecasts, or potential future scenarios. This versatility highlights the importance of forecasting as a tool for adapting to future circumstances.

A curiosity about 「予報」 is the cultural importance of weather forecasts in environments subjected to severe weather conditions, such as typhoons and earthquakes. Weather forecasts, or 「天気予報」 (tenki yohou), play a vital role in ensuring safety and assisting in the preparation of populations and organizations. This emphasis on forecasting reflects a practical adaptation to natural conditions, highlighting how language evolves to serve essential human needs.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 予測 (yosoku) - Forecast; an estimate based on data or trends.
• 予言 (yogen) - Prophecy; an announcement about future events that usually has a more mystical connotation.
• 予知 (yochi) - Preknowledge; knowledge or perception of something that will happen, often associated with intuition.
• 予定 (yotei) - Planning; a timeline or plan for future events.
• 予告 (yoko) - Advance notice; a warning about something that will happen, usually related to movies or events.