もし神が望めば
moshi kami ga nozomeba
The English phrase 'God willing' is translated into Japanese as もし神が望めば (moshi kami ga nozomeba). Wiktionary also lists 神の思し召しがあれば (kami no oboshimeshi ga areba).
Meaning: God willing (intj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| もし神が望めば | moshi kami ga nozomeba |
| 神の思し召しがあれば | kami no oboshimeshi ga areba |
Which one should you use?
もし神が望めば is a direct translation, but it can sound somewhat literary or dramatic in everyday Japanese compared to more common religious expressions. In contrast, 神の思し召しがあれば is a highly formal way to express the concept.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
神の思し召しがあれば is a highly formal and respectful way to express 'if it is God's will'. Other variations like もし神様がお許し下さるならば function as polite versions of 'if God permits', translating specifically to 'if God graciously permits'.
How do you pronounce it?
moshi kami ga nozomeba
Did you know?
- Instead of invoking a deity, a Japanese person is much more likely to say 縁があれば (if there is a connection/fate) to express a similar sentiment of 'if things work out as they should'.
- The word 神 (kami) in Japanese can refer to many different spirits or even the concept of nature, so もし神が望めば might sound like you are referring to a specific spirit of a mountain or forest rather than a monotheistic God.
- In modern Japanese pop culture, such as anime or manga, もし神が望めば is often used by characters to sound mysterious, archaic or like a foreign translation.
Examples in context
- もし神様のお心が許すならば、私たちは成功するでしょう (Moshi kamisama no o-kokoro ga yurusu naraba, watashitachi wa seikou suru deshou)If it pleases God's heart, we will succeed.
- もし神様がお許し下さるならば、感謝いたします (Moshi kamisama ga o-yurushi kudasaru naraba, kansha itashimasu)If God graciously permits, I will be grateful.
- 神様のお心次第、明日の旅行は楽しみたいな (Kamisama no o-kokoro shidai, ashita no ryokou wa tanoshimitai na)Leaving it to God's discretion, I hope tomorrow's trip will be enjoyable.
Example conversation
Youta and Misaki are talking about their hopes for the future.
- 陽太 Yotaいつか海外に住みたいんだ。Itsuka kaigai ni sumitain da.I want to live abroad someday.
- 美咲 Misakiいいですね。応援しています。Ii desu ne. Ouen shiteimasu.That's nice. I'm rooting for you.
- 陽太 Yotaもし神が望めば、叶うと思うよ。Moshi kami ga nozomeba, kanau to omou yo.God willing, I think it will happen.
- 美咲 Misakiきっとそうなりますね。Kitto sou narimasu ne.I'm sure it will.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “God willing” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
