Japanese word

憧れる

Pronunciation

Romajiakogareru

Meaning

  • verbadmire

Example

私はその歌手に憧れています。watashi wa so no ka shu ni akoga re te i ma su

I admire that singer.

Illustration for 憧れる (admire)

More examples

姉の自由な生き方に憧れました。ane no ji yū na i ki kata ni akoga re ma shi ta

I admired my older sister's free-spirited way of life.

Core concept

It describes holding someone or something up as an ideal and feeling drawn toward becoming like it or having it.

Common phrases

  • 先輩に憧れるsen pai ni akoga re ru

    look up to one's senior

  • 理想の暮らしに憧れるri sō no ku ra shi ni akoga re ru

    long for an ideal lifestyle

Similar words

尊敬するsonkeisuru: To respect someone for their qualities, actions, or character.

Definition in Japanese

他人や物事を理想として慕い、自分もそうなりたい、またはそれを得たいと強く願うこと。ta nin ya mono goto o ri sō to shi te shita i ji bun mo sō na ri ta i ma ta wa so re o e ta i to tsuyo ku nega u ko to

Word origin

The native Japanese verb 憧れる (akogareru, "to admire") developed from the older verb あくがる (akugaru), which described the heart leaving its proper place before gaining the sense of yearning.

Usage tips

  • For English speakers, 憧れる (akogareru) often expresses more than respect because it can include a wish to resemble a person or live an ideal life.

Other meanings

  • aspire toverb
  • long forverb

Opposites

  • 軽蔑するkeibetsusurudespiseverb

Related words

Word lists with this word