Japanese word

願望

Pronunciation

Romajiganbō

Meaning

  • nounaspiration

Example

彼の願望は海外で働くことです。kare no gan bō wa kai gai de hatara ku ko to de su

His aspiration is to work abroad.

Illustration for 願望 (aspiration)

More examples

その映画は、若者の願望を巧みに描いています。so no ei ga wa waka mono no gan bō o taku mi ni ega i te i ma su

That movie skillfully depicts the aspirations of young people.

Core concept

Describes a strong desire for a future state that a person hopes to make real.

Common phrases

  • 願望をかなえるgan bō o ka na e ru

    fulfill an aspiration

  • 強い願望tsuyo i gan bō

    strong aspiration

Similar words

希望kibō: A wish for a favorable future result or condition.
志望shibō: A specific desire to pursue a certain school, occupation, or field.
野望yabō: A strong ambition to gain an important position or achieve a major goal.

Definition in Japanese

将来実現したいと強く望む事柄。shō rai jitsu gen shi ta i to tsuyo ku nozo mu koto gara

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 願望 (ganbō) combines 願 (gan, "wish") and 望 (bō, "hope").

Usage tips

  • Unlike a simple passing wish, 願望 (ganbō) often suggests a strong personal aim, so it fits serious discussions about future plans.

Other meanings

  • desirenoun
  • wishnoun

Opposites

  • 無欲muyokulack of desirena-adjective

Word lists with this word