願う
negau[ne̞ɡa̠ɯ̟]
To wish in Japanese is to hope for an outcome, most commonly expressed with 願う (negau). Wiktionary also lists 祈る (inoru) and 欲する (hossuru).
Meaning: to hope for an outcome (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 願う | negau | [ne̞ɡa̠ɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 祈る | inoru | [ino̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 欲する | hossuru | [ho̞sːɨɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 希望する | kibō suru |
The Japanese language uses different verbs to express a wish depending on whether the desire is a formal hope, a spiritual prayer, an aspiration or a physical craving. While 願う is a standard way to express a wish or a formal desire for something to occur, other forms change the nuance of the intent.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the context of the wish. Use 願う for standard or formal wishes and requests. Use 祈る when the wish is framed as a prayer or a heartfelt wish for someone's well-being, often in a spiritual context. Use 希望する when expressing an aspiration or a hope for a specific goal or future state. Use 欲する when expressing strong, often physical or instinctual desires for an object or state.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
negau
Did you know?
- In Japan, the act of wishing often involves tanzaku, small colorful strips of paper where people write their 願い to hang on bamboo trees during the Tanabata festival.
- The verb 祈る is rooted in the ancient prefix 斎 (i-), which historically signaled that an action was sacred or performed in a state of ritual purity.
- Using 祈る in a non-religious context can imply a level of desperation or intensity that 願う does not convey.
Examples in context
- 成功を祈るわ。I wish for your success.This sentence uses 祈る to wish for someone's success.Tatoeba #143233 by KK_kaku_, translation #559684 by Zifre
- 願うなら全ては君のもの。If you wish, everything is yours.This sentence uses 願う to express a condition of wishing.Tatoeba #6574719 by User77813, translation #6574718 by User77813
- 幸福を願っています。I wish for your happiness.
- 被災者の方々の復興を心よりお祈り申し上げます。I sincerely pray for the recovery of the victims.
- 君の夢が叶いますように。I wish your dreams come true.
- 平和を願う気持ちは大切です。Heiwa o negau kimochi wa taisetsu desu.The feeling of wishing for peace is important.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wish” translations and entries 願う, 祈る, 欲する, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
