兆候

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 兆候(ちょうこう) is a noun for a sign suggesting a change or condition.
• Basic usage: It can indicate a problem, as in 風邪の兆候, or improvement, as in 回復の兆候.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A sign is not confirmation
  • 兆候かもしれない presents something as a possible sign. The cold example does not give a confirmed diagnosis of the cause.
• Signs beginning to appear
  • 兆候が少し見えてきた means that slight indications are starting to emerge. Signs of recovery differ from recovery being complete.