Are you interested in learning how to say “make a wish” in Japanese? Whether you want to express your desire for something to come true during a festive occasion or simply share your aspirations with a Japanese friend, this guide will walk you through the various ways to convey this sentiment. In Japan, it’s important to distinguish between formal and informal language, so we will cover both aspects to ensure you’re fully equipped. So, let’s unlock the secrets of expressing wishes in Japanese!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions: Polite Wishes
In formal settings or when speaking with someone older or in a superior position, it’s essential to use polite language. Here are some phrases you can use to say “make a wish” politely:
1. お願い申し上げる (Onegai moushiageru)
This is a formal expression used when requesting a wish. It shows utmost respect and can be used in various situations, such as formal ceremonies or when talking to elders.
2. お願いします (Onegaishimasu)
This phrase is commonly used in polite requests, but it can also be used as a way to express a wish indirectly. It can be adapted to different situations, such as making a wish before blowing out candles on a birthday cake or hoping for success in a new endeavor.
Informal Expressions: Casual Wishes
When speaking with close friends, family, or younger individuals, you can use more casual language to express your wishes. Here are some examples of informal phrases to say “make a wish”:
1. 願い事をする (Negai goto wo suru)
This is a simple and casual way to express making a wish. It can be used in various everyday situations, such as wishing upon a shooting star or when discussing aspirations with friends.
2. 願いを込める (Negai wo komeru)
This expression implies “putting a wish into something.” It can be used when you want to emphasize the act of making a wish, such as writing down a wish and tying it to a tree during the Tanabata festival.
Examples and Tips
To help you grasp the concepts more easily, let’s look at some examples and useful tips:
Example 1:
Situation: You are attending a formal ceremony and want to express your wish for a successful event.
Formal way: お願い申し上げます。この式が成功しますように。(Onegai moushiagemasu. Kono shiki ga seikou shimasu you ni.)
Informal way: がんばってくださいね！頑張って、うまくいきますように！(Ganbatte kudasai ne! Ganbatte, umaku ikimasu you ni!)
Example 2:
Situation: You want to make a wish before blowing out the candles on your birthday cake.
Formal way: お願い申し上げます。この願いが叶いますように。(Onegai moushiagemasu. Kono negai ga kanaimasu you ni.)
Informal way: お誕生日おめでとう！お願い事が叶いますように！(O-tanjoubi omedetou! Onegaigoto ga kanaimasu you ni!)
Tips:
- Remember to adjust your language based on the level of formality required in each situation.
- If you’re unsure about the level of politeness, it’s better to err on the side of being more polite.
- If you want to express a specific wish, you can modify the phrases by adding your wish after them. For example, “この願いが叶いますように、健康になりますように” (Kono negai ga kanaimasu you ni, kenkou ni narimasu you ni) means “May this wish come true, and may I become healthy.”
Wrap-up
Congratulations! You have learned how to say “make a wish” in both formal and informal Japanese. By using the appropriate phrase for each context, you’ll be able to convey your desires respectfully and effectively. Remember to consider the level of politeness required and feel free to customize the expressions with your specific wishes. Keep practicing, and may all your wishes come true! お願い申し上げます！
