Languages › Japanese How to Pronounce the Japanese Word 'Kitai' Share Flipboard Email Print Japanese Essential Japanese Vocabulary History & Culture Japanese Grammar By Namiko Abe Japanese Language Expert B.A., Kwansei Gakuin University Namiko Abe is a Japanese language teacher and translator, as well as a Japanese calligraphy expert. She has been a freelance writer for nearly 20 years. our editorial process Namiko Abe Updated March 10, 2019 'Kitai' is a Japanese word that means expectation, anticipation, or hope. Pronunciation Make sure you know how to pronounce 'Kitai' correctly. Japanese Characters 期待 （きたい） Example Amari kare ni kitai shite wa ikenai.あまり彼に期待してはいけない。"You must not expect too much from him."