🦅 Project Eagle
synonym Comparative
願い
VS
祈る

Differences Between "願い" and "祈る"

Option A
願い
Meaning
wish; desire; request
Reading
ねがい (negai)
Syllabus Level
N4
Practical Example
私の願いが叶いますように。
I hope my wish comes true.
Option B
祈る
Meaning
to pray, to wish
Reading
いのる (inoru)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
家族の健康を祈っています。
I am praying for my family's health.

Which one to use?

Select the correct Japanese word for this context

Which word fits this context: "(wish; desire; request)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 願い: A noun referring to a wish, desire, or a polite request. Related to the verb 願う (negau - to wish, to request).
- 祈る: Used for expressing wishes to a deity or for someone's well-being. Also used for wishing for something to happen. 神仏に願い事をする時や、誰かの幸福を願う時に使います。
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