Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Desire" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "desire", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
望む
のぞむ (nozomu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
願望
がんぼう (ganbou)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "desire" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 望む and 願望.
In Japanese, 望む (のぞむ (nozomu)) is typically associated with "to desire, to wish for, to hope for" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 将来のことや願望について、強く「こうあってほしい」と思うときに使う。Used when strongly wishing or hoping for something in the future..
On the other hand, 願望 (がんぼう (ganbou)) maps to "desire; wish; aspiration" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Expresses a strong, often abstract or long-term personal wish or aspiration. It is more formal than 「～たい」. A literal translation of "desire" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "望む"
私は世界平和を望んでいます。
I hope for world peace.
Bilingual Context for "願望"
彼の長年の願望は、世界中の子どもたちが幸せに暮らすことだ。
His long-cherished desire is for children around the world to live happily.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私は世界平和を望んでいます。" (Meaning: "I hope for world peace.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "望む" fits here because it means "to desire, to wish for, to hope for" in the context of: "I hope for world peace.". "願望" represents "desire; wish; aspiration".