願

JLPT N3

Wish, request

Readings

On’yomi: ガン (gan)

Kun’yomi: ねが(う) (nega(u))

• ねが(う) – to wish, to hope, to request

Structure

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Detailed Explanation

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Mnemonic

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Etymology

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Visual Tip

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Vocabulary

願う

ねがう

wish

願い

ねがい

wish (noun)

念願

ねんがん

long-held wish

出願

しゅつがん

application

祈願

きがん

prayer

Example Sentences

成功を願います。

せいこうをねがいます。

I wish for success.

願いが叶います。

ねがいがかないます。

My wish comes true.

念願です。

ねんがんです。

It is a long-held wish.

大学に出願します。

だいがくにしゅつがんします。

I apply to a university.

合格を祈願します。

ごうかくをきがんします。

I pray for success.

Cultural Note

🌸 願 holds deep cultural importance in Japan.
• In Shinto and Buddhist traditions, people make wishes (願い) by tying 絵馬 (ema – wooden plaques) at shrines, writing prayers for health, love, exams, or prosperity.
• Words like 祈願 (prayer) and 願成就 (wish fulfillment) reflect the belief that sincere intent and effort lead to realization.
• Even in daily expressions like お願いします (onegai shimasu), 願 conveys humility and respect — not just “please,” but “I sincerely request.”