Translation and Meaning of: 願い - negai

The Japanese word 願い (negai) carries a deep and poetic meaning, often associated with sincere wishes, formal requests, or even prayers. If you've ever wondered what this word truly represents, how to use it in everyday life, or what its origin is, this article will clarify everything in a straightforward and practical way. Here, we will explore everything from the basic meaning to cultural curiosities that make 願い such a special term in the Japanese language.

In addition to being a common word in everyday conversations, 願い also frequently appears in media such as animes, music, and literature, reinforcing its importance in expressing hopes and aspirations. Whether for those studying Japanese or simply for those interested in Japanese culture, understanding this word can open doors to more authentic and meaningful communication.

Meaning and use of 願い (negai)

願い is generally translated as "wish," "request," or "supplication," but its meaning goes beyond these simple definitions. Unlike words like 欲しい (hoshii), which indicate a more material desire, 願い is connected to deeper longings, often emotional or spiritual. It can be used in both formal contexts, such as in temples, and in informal situations among friends.

A classic example is the act of writing a 願い事 (negaigoto), or "wish", on an ema (small wooden plaque) at Shinto shrines. This practice shows how the word is rooted in cultural traditions. Another common usage is in phrases like 願いが叶う (negai ga kanau), which means "the wish comes true", expressing the realization of something desired.

Origin and writing of the kanji 願

The kanji 願 is composed of two main elements: the radical 頁 (page, head), which appears on the right side, and the component 原 (original, source) on the left side. This combination suggests the idea of a "request that comes from the head" or "desire expressed formally." The etymology reinforces the sense of something that is verbalized or manifested with intention.

It is worth noting that 願い is the kun'yomi (Japanese) reading of the kanji, while the on'yomi (Chinese) reading is "gan." The latter appears in words like 願書 (gansho), which means "application form" or "written petition." The kanji itself is considered intermediate level, often taught in Japanese courses after the basics, but its structure aids in memorization when associated with its meaning.

Wishes in Japanese culture and media

In Japan, 願い is a word that transcends linguistic use and connects with cultural values. Festivals like Tanabata, where people write wishes on strips of paper (tanzaku), illustrate how the idea of "negai" is present in daily life. Many animes and dramas also use this word in emotional moments, such as characters striving to achieve their dreams.

An interesting fact is that 願い appears in popular song titles, such as "Negai" by the group NEWS, and even in memorable lines of anime characters. This recurrence is not coincidental: the word captures the essence of hope and perseverance, central themes in many Japanese narratives. For those looking to dive into the language, paying attention to these uses can enrich vocabulary and cultural understanding.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 願望 (ganbō) - Desire or aspiration; often refers to a deeper or stronger intention.
• 望み (nozomi) - Hope or desire; it can refer to a lighter wish or an expectation.
• 願い事 (negaigoto) - Request or desire; it generally refers to something specific that you want to happen.
• 願望すること (ganbō suru koto) - The act of having a wish or aspiration.
• 望みをかけること (nozomi o kakeru koto) - An act of placing hope in something; wishing for something to happen.
• 願いを込めること (negai o komeru koto) - An act of instilling or infusing a desire into something; putting intention into a request.

願い

Romaji: negai
Kana: ねがい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: desire; willing; request; prayer; petition; application.

Meaning in English: desire;wish;request;prayer;petition;application

Definition: What do you want. What do you sincerely wish from others.

Example Sentences - (願い) negai

See below some example sentences:

願いが叶う日を待ち望んでいます。

Negai ga kanau hi wo machi nozondeimasu

I look forward to the day when my desire will come true.

I am waiting for the day when my desire will come true.

• 願いが叶う日を - Day when my wish will come true
• 待ち望んでいます - I am eagerly waiting

配達をお願いします。

haitatsu wo onegaishimasu

Please make the delivery.

Please delivered.

• 配達 - delivery
• を - Particle that indicates the object of the action
• お願いします - please request

注文をお願いします。

Chūmon o onegaishimasu

Please place order.

I'd like to order.

• 注文 (chūmon) - request
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• お願いします (onegaishimasu) - Please

勘定をお願いします。

Kanjo wo onegaishimasu

Please do the bill.

Please give me an account.

• 勘定 (kanjou) - account, invoice
• を (wo) - object particle
• お願いします (onegaishimasu) - please request

兼ねてよろしくお願いします。

Kanete yoroshiku onegaishimasu

Please take care of me from now on.

Thank you for your cooperation.

• 兼ねて - kanete - at the same time, simultaneously
• よろしく - yoroshiku - please, treat well, take care of me
• お願いします - onegaishimasu - please please, I ask you, I would like to request

再三お願いします。

Saisan onegaishimasu

Please ask again.

I would like to ask again.

• 再三 - repeatedly, several times
• お願いします - please, I ask you

何卒よろしくお願いします。

Nanisotsu yoroshiku onegaishimasu

Please count on me.

Thank you for your cooperation.

• 何卒 - Japanese expression meaning "please" or "wholeheartedly".
• よろしく - Japanese expression meaning "please" or "count me in".
• お願いします - Japanese expression meaning "please" or "I ask you to do this".

以下のようにお願いします。

Ijou no you ni onegaishimasu

Please do as below.

Please inquire as follows.

• 以下 - means "below" in Japanese
• のように - means "how" in Japanese
• お願いします - means "please" in Japanese

今後もよろしくお願いします。

Kongo mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu

Please keep supporting me from now on.

I hope to work with you in the future.

• 今後 (kongo) - From now on
• も (mo) - also
• よろしく (yoroshiku) - please take care of me
• お願いします (onegaishimasu) - please do

どうぞ宜しくお願いします。

Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu

Please be kind to me.

Thank you.

• どうぞ - Japanese expression that can be translated as "please" or "here it is".
• 宜しく - Japanese expression that can be translated as "please" or "cordially".
• お願いします - Japanese expression that can be translated as "please" or "I ask you."