願い — meaning in English: A wish

negai · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for wish

プログラム

puroguramu

週間

shūkan

願い

negai

国

kuni

評価

hyouka

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 願い (negai) during special occasions, such as birthdays or New Year's celebrations, when people express their hopes for the future. It can also be used in everyday conversations, like when discussing personal dreams or aspirations.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 望み (nozomi), which conveys a sense of desire or hope but is often more related to long-term goals. Use 願い (negai) when you want to emphasize a wish or request that may not be as intense or long-lasting.

Culture

The word 願い (negai) has deep cultural roots in Japan, often connected with Shinto beliefs where wishes are made at shrines. One fascinating tradition involves writing wishes on small wooden plaques called 'ema,' which are then hung at shrines in hopes that they will be fulfilled.

FAQ

Q.What does 願い (negai) mean in English?

願い (negai) translates to 'a wish' in English, expressing a desire or hope for something to happen.

Q.How do you use 願い in a sentence?

You can use 願い (negai) in a sentence like '私の願いは世界平和です' (Watashi no negai wa sekai heiwa desu), which means 'My wish is world peace.'

Q.Are there common mistakes when using 願い?

A common mistake is to confuse 願い (negai) with 願う (negau), which means 'to wish' or 'to hope.' Remember that negai is a noun, while negau is a verb.

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