Translation and Meaning of: 憧れ - akogare

If you have ever felt that intense longing for something distant, almost unattainable, then you have already experienced what the Japanese call 憧れ (あこがれ). This word, which we translate as "yearning" or "aspiration," carries a deep emotional weight, blending admiration with a certain suffering due to the distance of the desired object. In this article, we will explore the etymology, the pictogram, and the everyday uses of this poetic expression. And if you are studying Japanese, you will love discovering how to easily memorize this kanji and even some ready-made phrases to add to your Anki.

The interesting thing is that 憧れ is not limited to common desires—it evokes something almost romantic, like looking up to an idol or a dream that seems to always be one step ahead. Have you ever used this word without knowing? Let's uncover its secrets, from its origin to how it appears in songs and dramas, becoming part of the Japanese cultural imagination.

Etymology and Pictogram: The Heart Behind Desire

The kanji 憧 is composed of two radicals: 忄 (which represents the heart or feelings) and 童 (which means "child" or "pure"). Together, they paint the picture of an innocent longing, almost childlike—that kind of desire that arises without malice, full of admiration. The second kanji, れ, is a suffix that transforms the word into a noun, shaping this abstract emotion.

Interestingly, the related verb 憧れる (あこがれる) is often used to describe the passion for someone or something unattainable. Imagine a fan dreaming of meeting their favorite artist, or a student admiring a brilliant teacher—these are classic scenarios where 憧れ arises. It's no wonder that this word appears so much in song lyrics: it captures that flutter in the stomach that everyone has felt.

Everyday Lies: When Desire Becomes Inspiration

In Japan, 憧れ is a common term in conversations about personal goals. For example, someone might say: 「彼の生き方に憧れている」 ("I admire the way he lives"), expressing not just desire, but also respect. This nuance is important—unlike simply "wanting", there is a tone of elevation, as if the object of desire is a role model to be followed.

Another interesting use is in the professional world. Many Japanese people talk about having the job of their dreams (憧れの職業), especially in contexts where the career is idealized, such as medicine or the arts. Here, the word carries a motivational weight. And be careful: using 憧れ for very trivial things can sound exaggerated—it fits better with those dreams that make your heart race.

Tips for Memorizing and Cultural Curiosities

To not forget the kanji, how about a visual association? Think of the radical 忄 as a heart pulsating with desire, while 童 resembles the purity of a child dreaming big. This mental image helps to cement the writing. And if you like word games, know that あこがれ sometimes turns into a joke in mangas, representing characters who idolize someone comically—like Naruto and his 憧れ for the Hokage.

A quick search on Google shows that many people search for "how to use 憧れ in sentences" or "difference between 憧れ and 希望". The key is to remember that while 希望 (hope) is more generic, 憧れ has a sense of devotion. How about practicing with the sentence 「海外旅行に憧れる」? This way, you combine studying with a bit of that Japanese dream of exploring the world.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 憧憬 (shoukei) - Intense desire or yearning for something or someone, often related to reverence
• 慕情 (bojou) - Feelings of love or affection for another person, often with a tone of idealization.
• 憧れる心 (akogareru kokoro) - Heart full of aspirations and desires, especially for something considered distant or unattainable.
• 憧れの対象 (akogare no taishou) - The object or person of aspiration, something that is desired to be achieved or emulated.
• 憧れの的 (akogare no mato) - A target or goal of worship, something one seeks to admire or achieve.
• 憧れの人物 (akogare no jinbutsu) - Admired or idolized person, usually someone who represents someone’s ideals.
• 憧れの場所 (akogare no basho) - Idealized or desired place, often associated with dreams or memories.
• 憧れの世界 (akogare no sekai) - World of dreams or fantasies, often an ideal state that one wishes to achieve.
• 憧れの生活 (akogare no seikatsu) - Idealized life that one aspires to live, combining various aspects of happiness and fulfillment.
• 憧れの夢 (akogare no yume) - Dreams or deeply idealized aspirations, rarely free from challenges.

憧れ

Romaji: akogare
Kana: あこがれ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: longing; desire; aspiration

Meaning in English: yearning;longing;aspiration

Definition: To have a strong admiration for another person or something. Admiraton, saudade.

Example Sentences - (憧れ) akogare

See below some example sentences:

私は彼女のような強い女性に憧れています。

Watashi wa kanojo no you na tsuyoi josei ni akogarete imasu

I admire strong women like her.

I long for a strong woman like her.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 彼女 (kanojo) - personal pronoun meaning "she"
• の (no) - particle indicating possession, in this case "hers"
• ような (youna) - expression meaning "like" or "similar to"
• 強い (tsuyoi) - adjective meaning "strong"
• 女性 (josei) - noun meaning "woman"
• に (ni) - particle indicating the target of the action, in this case "to"
• 憧れています (akogareteimasu) - verb meaning "to admire" or "to have admiration for", conjugated in the present tense and polite