What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 私 (watashi – I/me), の (no – possessive particle) and 夢 (yume – dream).
Which one should you use?
While 私の夢 is a common and straightforward way to say "my dream", you might use other forms depending on the specific nuance. 私の将来の夢 translates to "my future dream" and emphasizes long-term aspirations, whereas 私の抱負 reflects an ambition or aspiration and is often used in professional or academic contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The choice of phrase depends on the speaker's gender and the social setting. In informal settings, men may use 僕の夢 (typically used by younger males or in less formal situations) or 俺の夢 (used in very casual or rough speech).
How does it change in a sentence?
To use this phrase as a subject in a sentence, it is typically followed by the particle は (wa), resulting in 私の夢は… Additionally, male speakers often use 僕の夢 instead of 私の夢 in casual or semi-formal settings and may use 俺の夢 in very casual speech.
How do you pronounce it?
watashi no yume
Did you know?
- Japanese speakers may use the word 夢中 (muchuu) to describe being 'absorbed' in something. While it contains the character for 'dream', it describes a state of being so focused that you are 'in a dream' or 'lost in a trance' regarding a task.
- The phrase 夢を叶える (yume o kanaeru) is used when someone actively makes their dream come true, whereas 夢が叶う (yume ga kanau) implies the dream fulfilled itself.
- If you are describing a dream that is a hallucination or a trick of the light, you might use the word 幻 (maboroshi) instead of 夢 (yume).
Examples in context
- いつか私の夢は叶う。Someday my dream will come true.This sentence is useful for expressing that a dream will eventually come true.Tatoeba #8617350 by small_snow, translation #5182495 by AlanF_US
- 私の夢は留学することです。My dream is to study abroad.This sentence is useful for stating a dream, such as studying abroad.Tatoeba #162571 by small_snow, translation #251943 by CK
- 私の夢は消防士になる事だ。My dream is to be a firefighter.This sentence is useful for stating a dream, such as a specific career goal.Tatoeba #162577 by KK_kaku_, translation #251937 by CK
- 私の夢は医者になることです。My dream is to become a doctor.
- 議事録作成に携わりたいです。I want to be involved in creating meeting minutes.
- それは素晴らしい抱負ですね。That's a wonderful aspiration.
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their future goals at a cafe.
- 陽葵 Himari私の夢は、世界中を旅行することなんだ。Watashi no yume wa, sekaijuu o ryokou suru koto nan da.My dream is to travel all over the world.
- 蓮 Renそれは素敵な夢だね、陽葵。Sore wa suteki na yume da ne, Himari.That's a wonderful dream, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮君の夢は何？Ren-kun no yume wa nani?Ren, what is your dream?
- 蓮 Ren僕は、自分の店を持つことが夢だよ。Boku wa, jibun no mise o motsu koto ga yume da yo.My dream is to have my own shop.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
