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:

以後もよろしくお願いします。

Igo mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu

Thanks after that.

• 以後 (igo) - from now on, from now on
• も (mo) - also
• よろしく (yoroshiku) - please take care of me, count on me
• お願いします (onegaishimasu) - please, I ask you

切実にお願いします。

Sesshitsu ni onegaishimasu

Please ensure.

• 切実に - intensely, sincerely
• お願いします - please request

回答をお願いします。

Kaitō o onegaishimasu

Please give me an answer.

• 回答 - means "response" in Japanese.
• を - Object particle in Japanese.
• お願いします - The polite request expression in Japanese can be translated as "please" or "thank you in advance".

私の願いは世界平和です。

Watashi no negai wa sekai heiwa desu

My desire is for world peace.

My desire is world peace.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 願い - noun meaning "desire"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 世界 - noun that means "world"
• 平和 - noun meaning "peace"
• です - verb to be in the polite form