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synonym Comparative
望み
VS
悲願

Differences Between "望み" and "悲願"

Option A
望み
Meaning
wish; desire; hope
Reading
のぞみ (nozomi)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
彼の望みは、いつか自分の店を持つことです。
His wish is to have his own store someday.
Option B
悲願
Meaning
earnest prayer, cherished desire, ardent wish, long-cherished ambition
Reading
ひがん (higan)
Syllabus Level
N1
Practical Example
長年の悲願であった世界選手権での優勝を果たした。
He achieved his long-cherished ambition of winning the world championship.

Which one to use?

Select the correct Japanese word for this context

Which word fits this context: "(wish; desire; hope)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 望み: Refers to a personal wish, desire, or hope (noun). Contrast with 希望 (kibō, slightly more formal/abstract). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'My biggest wish?! That's... to spend every day together with you forever... W-Wait, no! I meant to achieve 100% of our business department's sales goals! Gosh, don't look at me like that!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『私の最大の望み?!それはね、あんたとこれから先もずっと一緒に過ごし…っ、な、何言わせるのよ!部署の売上目標を100%達成することよ!変な期待しないでよね!』
- 悲願: 長い間心に抱き続けている、強く切実な願いや目標。容易には達成できないが、どうしても成し遂げたいという気持ちが込められています。(A strong, earnest wish or goal cherished for a long time. It implies a desire to achieve something that is not easily attainable but is desperately wished for.)
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