Japanese word

希望

Pronunciation

Romajikibō

Meaning

  • nounhope

Example

私は希望を持っています。watashi wa ki bō o mo tte i ma su

I have hope.

Illustration for 希望 (hope)

More examples

将来への希望を捨てません。shō rai e no ki bō o su te ma se n

I will not give up hope for the future.

Core concept

Describes a positive future that a person wants to happen and believes may happen.

Common phrases

  • 希望があるki bō ga a ru

    there is hope

  • 希望を持つki bō o mo tsu

    have hope

  • 希望を失うki bō o ushina u

    lose hope

  • 希望を捨てるki bō o su te ru

    give up hope

Similar words

望みnozomi: A desired future outcome that still seems possible.
願いnegai: A strong wish for something to happen.
期待kitai: A belief that a desired result is likely to happen.

Definition in Japanese

将来実現することを願い、そうなると信じる気持ち。shō rai jitsu gen su ru ko to o nega i sō na ru to shin ji ru ki mo chi

Word origin

希望 (kibō, "hope") is formed from 希 (ki, "rare or desired") and 望 (bō, "hope or desire"), giving the sense of a desired future.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese job and school forms, 希望 (kibō) can mean a stated preference, such as a preferred placement or schedule, rather than only an emotional hope.

Other meanings

  • wishnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 希望者kibōshaapplicantnoun

Word lists with this word