预期 (yù qī) means 'to expect' based on analysis or trends — it's neutral and often used in formal/objective contexts (e.g., market expectations). Unlike 期望 (qī wàng), which implies hope or desire, 预期 focuses on what is predicted to happen. 预料 (yù liào) is similar but emphasizes forecasting from available information; 期盼 (qī pàn) adds a sense of eager longing.