Meaning and Usage
The word 预兆 (yù zhào) refers to a sign or omen that indicates something will happen in the future, often something significant or negative. It is commonly used in contexts like weather, events, or situations where early signs predict an outcome.
Common Collocations
- 预兆出现 (yù zhào chū xiàn): an omen appears
- 暴风雨的预兆 (bào fēng yǔ de yù zhào): omen of a storm
- 经济衰退的预兆 (jīng jì shuāi tuì de yù zhào): sign of economic recession
Usage Notes
When using 预兆, speakers imply a predictive sign that something is about to happen. It often carries a slightly serious or ominous tone, especially in formal or written contexts. It is less casual than words like 征兆 (zhēng zhào), which can also mean sign or symptom.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 预兆 with 预报 (yù bào), which means to forecast or predict explicitly. 预兆 is more about indirect signs or symptoms rather than direct predictions.