Japanese word

願う

Pronunciation

Romajinegau

Meaning

  • verbhope

Example

みんなの無事を願います。mi n na no bu ji o nega i ma su

I hope everyone is safe.

Illustration for 願う (hope)

More examples

明日、晴れることを願います。asu ha re ru ko to o nega i ma su

I hope it will be sunny tomorrow.

困っている人に早く支援が届くように願っています。koma tte i ru hito ni haya ku shi en ga todo ku yō ni nega tte i ma su

I hope support reaches people in need soon.

Core concept

Expresses a strong desire for a hoped-for outcome, whether directed toward the future or voiced as a prayer.

Common phrases

  • 無事を願うbu ji o nega u

    hope for someone's safety

  • 成功を願うsei kō o nega u

    hope for success

  • 平和を願うhei wa o nega u

    hope for peace

Similar words

望むnozomu: To have a strong desire for a particular result or condition.
祈るinoru: To ask through prayer for a hoped-for result.
期待するkitaisuru: To expect a desired result based on some reason or possibility.

Definition in Japanese

望むことが実現するように、強く思ったり祈ったりする。nozo mu ko to ga jitsu gen su ru yō ni tsuyo ku omo tta ri ino tta ri su ru

Word origin

The native Japanese verb 願う (negau, "to hope or wish") has the related noun 願い (negai, "a wish or request"), formed from the verb stem.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese, を (o) often marks the hoped-for outcome before 願う (negau), while English often uses hope that or hope for.

Other meanings

  • wishverb

Opposites

  • 絶望するzetsubōsurudespairverb

Related words

Word lists with this word