Japanese word

兆し

Pronunciation

Romajikizashi

Meaning

  • nounsign

Example

春の兆しが見えてきました。haru no kiza shi ga mi e te ki ma shi ta

Signs of spring are beginning to appear.

Illustration for 兆し (sign)

More examples

会議が始まる前に、私たちは問題の兆しを感じました。kai gi ga haji ma ru mae ni watashi ta chi wa mon dai no kiza shi o kan ji ma shi ta

We sensed signs of trouble before the meeting began.

Core concept

Signals something not yet fully visible through an observable change or clue.

Common phrases

  • 兆しを見せるkiza shi o mi se ru

    show signs

  • 兆しが見えるkiza shi ga mi e ru

    signs emerge

  • 回復の兆しkai fuku no kiza shi

    signs of recovery

  • 悪化の兆しak ka no kiza shi

    signs of deterioration

Similar words

兆候chōkō: A noticeable indication that a condition or event is beginning to appear.
前兆zenchō: A sign occurring before an event that hints at what may follow.
気配kehai: A slight indication that someone or something is nearby or that an event is about to occur.

Definition in Japanese

ある事柄や状態が現れる前に、それを予感させる変化や現象。a ru koto gara ya jō tai ga arawa re ru mae ni so re o yo kan sa se ru hen ka ya gen shō

Word origin

兆し (kizashi) is the noun form of 兆す (kizasu), meaning "to show signs" or "to portend", and names an indication of what is emerging.

Usage tips

  • In natural English, "a sign of spring" usually describes a neutral indication, while "an omen" often suggests that a future event will be good or bad.

Other meanings

  • omennoun
  • symptomnoun

Related words

  • 兆すkizasuindicateverb

Word lists with this word