希望 — meaning in English: Hope

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

Guess the translation for hope

地面

jimen

希望

kibou

ソート

sōto

血

chi

国庫

kokko

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 希望 (kibou) in both personal and professional contexts, such as expressing their aspirations during career discussions or sharing their hopes for the future in casual conversations. For example, one might say '将来の希望は何ですか？' (What are your hopes for the future?) when talking to a friend or colleague.

Synonyms & nuances

While 希望 (kibou) generally conveys a sense of hope or desire, it can be contrasted with 期待 (kitai), which indicates expectation or anticipation. Use 希望 when you're expressing a more heartfelt or personal wish, whereas 期待 might be more appropriate for situations involving expectations from others or outcomes.

Culture

The word 希望 (kibou) has deep roots in Japanese culture, often associated with resilience and the pursuit of dreams amidst challenges. Interestingly, the kanji 希 (ki) represents 'hope' or 'rare,' while 望 (bou) signifies 'wish' or 'desire,' reflecting a blend of rarity and aspiration in the Japanese psyche.

FAQ

Q.What is the meaning of 希望 in English?

希望 (kibou) translates to 'hope' in English, reflecting a sense of aspiration or desire for a positive outcome.

Q.How is 希望 used in everyday conversation?

You can use 希望 (kibou) in various contexts, such as discussing future goals, aspirations, or wishes. For example, you might say '私の希望は世界を旅行することです' (My hope is to travel the world).

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 希望?

Learners sometimes confuse 希望 (kibou) with 期待 (kitai). Remember that 希望 is about personal wishes, while 期待 relates to expectations, which can lead to miscommunication if used interchangeably.

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