synonym Comparative
願う
VS
懇願
Differences Between "願う" and "懇願"
Option A
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.
Option B
懇願
Meaning
pleading; entreaty; begging; earnest petition
Reading
こんがん (kongan)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
人質となった人々の家族は、大統領に対して早期の救出を涙ながらに_______しました。
The families of the people taken hostage tearfully pleaded with the president for an early rescue.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(to wish; to desire; to pray; to petition; to request)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 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！』
- 懇願: Refers to pleading, entreaty, begging, or making an extremely earnest petition/request to someone. Often used with する as a verb (懇願する). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Pleading? Begging?! S-So what if I am pleading with you to stay for overtime?! I just want to talk with you a bit longer! ...っ, Shut up and stay!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『こ、懇願？！私が『もう少しだけ残業（お喋り）していきなさい！』ってあんたに頼み込むのは、ただの業務命令よ！…っ、懇願してるように見える？バカ！』
- 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！』
- 懇願: Refers to pleading, entreaty, begging, or making an extremely earnest petition/request to someone. Often used with する as a verb (懇願する). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Pleading? Begging?! S-So what if I am pleading with you to stay for overtime?! I just want to talk with you a bit longer! ...っ, Shut up and stay!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『こ、懇願？！私が『もう少しだけ残業（お喋り）していきなさい！』ってあんたに頼み込むのは、ただの業務命令よ！…っ、懇願してるように見える？バカ！』
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