Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Hope" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "hope", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
希望
きぼう (kibou)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
希望する
きぼうする (kibō suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hope" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 希望 and 希望する.
In Japanese, 希望 (きぼう (kibou)) is typically associated with "hope, wish, aspiration" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Can be a noun.
On the other hand, 希望する (きぼうする (kibō suru)) maps to "to hope, to wish, to desire" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Expresses a wish or expectation for something positive to happen in the future. Stronger than 「～たい」.. A literal translation of "hope" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "希望"
将来、海外で働くことを希望しています。
I hope to work overseas in the future.
Bilingual Context for "希望する"
私は世界平和を希望します。
I hope for world peace.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "将来、海外で働くことを ＿＿＿ しています。" (Meaning: "I hope to work overseas in the future.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "希望" fits here because it means "hope, wish, aspiration" in the context of: "I hope to work overseas in the future.". "希望する" represents "to hope, to wish, to desire".