そう願っています
sō negatte imasu
The Japanese phrase for "I hope so" is そう願っています (sō negatte imasu).
そう願っています is used to express a desire for a particular outcome to be true or to happen.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of sō (so/in that way), negatte (wishing/praying) and imasu (am/is/are), literally meaning "I am wishing for it to be so".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
そう願っています is a polite way to express hope, making it suitable for use with superiors or in formal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the ~te imasu form, which indicates a continuous state of wishing or hoping.
How do you pronounce it?
sō negatte imasu
Did you know?
- Using そう願っています in a business setting can sometimes sound overly dramatic or poetic, almost like a line from a novel, because of its high emotional intensity.
- The verb 願う (negau), found in the phrase, is the same word used for making a formal prayer to a deity at a Shinto shrine.
- While そう願っています is a direct way to express hope, Japanese speakers often prefer to say そうであればいいですね which translates to 'It would be good if it were so'.
Examples in context
- このプロジェクトがうまくいくといいです。I hope this project goes well.
- 成功を望んでいます。I hope for success.
- 新しい仕事、うまくいくといいね！I hope your new job goes well!
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are talking about an upcoming exam results.
- 健太 Kenta試験の結果が良いといいですね。shiken no kekka ga ii to ii desu ne.I hope the exam results are good.
- 陽葵 Himariはい、そう願っています。hai, sō negatte imasu.Yes, I hope so.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵さんならきっと大丈夫ですよ。Himari-san nara kitto daijōbu desu yo.I'm sure you'll be fine, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとうございます、健太さん。arigatō gozaimasu, Kenta-san.Thank you, Kenta.
