noun HSK 5
qián jǐng
prospects · future outlook · perspective · foreground

Meaning

前景 refers to the outlook or prospects for the future, typically regarding careers, projects, or situations. It can also mean 'foreground' in visual contexts like photography or painting. The word combines 前 (front/ahead) and 景 (scene/view) to convey what lies ahead or what can be anticipated.

Usage

Most commonly used in formal or professional contexts when discussing future possibilities, career paths, business opportunities, or market trends. Native speakers frequently pair it with adjectives like 广阔 (vast), 美好 (bright), or 暗淡 (dim) to evaluate potential outcomes. In artistic contexts, it contrasts with 背景 (background).

Examples

  1. 01
    这个行业的发展前景非常广阔。
    Zhège hángyè de fāzhǎn qiánjǐng fēicháng guǎngkuò.
    The development prospects for this industry are very vast.
  2. 02
    他对自己的职业前景感到担心。
    duì zìjǐ de zhíyè qiánjǐng gǎndào dānxīn.
    He feels worried about his career prospects.

Characters

Measure words

  • 一个美好的前景

Common collocations

  • 前景广阔
    qián jǐng guǎng kuò
    vast prospects, bright future
  • 发展前景
    zhǎn qián jǐng
    development prospects
  • 就业前景
    jiù qián jǐng
    employment prospects
  • 市场前景
    shì chǎng qián jǐng
    market prospects

Antonyms

Origin

Literally 'front scene' or 'forward view,' the term metaphorically extends from the visual concept of what lies ahead in one's field of vision to what lies ahead in time—the future prospects or outlook.

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