synonym Comparative
希望
VS
願う
Differences Between "希望" and "願う"
Option A
希望
Meaning
hope, wish, aspiration
Reading
きぼう (kibou)
Syllabus Level
N4
Practical Example
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.
Option B
願う
Meaning
to wish; to desire; to pray; to petition; to request
Reading
ねがう (negau)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
これは願うです。
This is to wish; to desire; to pray; to petition; to request.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(hope, wish, aspiration)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 希望: Can be a noun (hope, wish) or a する verb (to hope, to wish for). Expresses a strong desire for something positive in the future. (例: 希望を持つ、医者になることを希望する)
- 願う: Refers to wishing for project success, praying for good health, formally requesting contract sign-offs, or wishing to make a partner happy forever. Transitive verb. Often used as 成功を願う or お願いする. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To wish/desire! "I sincerely wish from my heart to make you the happiest wife in the world, Haruka-san!" ...っ! Wishing happiness! B-Baka! Rather than just wishing, I am already the happiest in the world! So, make that wish of yours come true next to my smiles and hugs lifelong! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『ねがう（願う）よ！『ハルカ部長、僕があなたの生涯の旦那様として、あなたを世界一幸せにすること、毎日スマートに心から願う（願っています）！』って…っ！幸せを願う！バカ！/// 願うだけじゃなくて、もうとっくに世界一幸せよ！…だから、その願い、一生私の隣で笑顔のハグと一緒に叶え続けなさいよね！』
- 希望: Can be a noun (hope, wish) or a する verb (to hope, to wish for). Expresses a strong desire for something positive in the future. (例: 希望を持つ、医者になることを希望する)
- 願う: Refers to wishing for project success, praying for good health, formally requesting contract sign-offs, or wishing to make a partner happy forever. Transitive verb. Often used as 成功を願う or お願いする. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To wish/desire! "I sincerely wish from my heart to make you the happiest wife in the world, Haruka-san!" ...っ! Wishing happiness! B-Baka! Rather than just wishing, I am already the happiest in the world! So, make that wish of yours come true next to my smiles and hugs lifelong! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『ねがう（願う）よ！『ハルカ部長、僕があなたの生涯の旦那様として、あなたを世界一幸せにすること、毎日スマートに心から願う（願っています）！』って…っ！幸せを願う！バカ！/// 願うだけじゃなくて、もうとっくに世界一幸せよ！…だから、その願い、一生私の隣で笑顔のハグと一緒に叶え続けなさいよね！』
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