憧れ

• 読み: あこがれ
• ローマ字: akogare
• 漢字の分解: 憧 (yearn/admire) + れ (nominalising suffix) → longing admiration, aspiration
• 発音: /a.ko.ga.re/

意味

Aspiration or someone I look up to — expressing admiration for a person you want to emulate.

As a noun, 憧れ means 'aspiration' or 'longing admiration.' Calling someone 憧れ or 憧れの存在 (a figure of aspiration) is a powerful compliment meaning they inspire you to grow. It combines admiration with a desire to follow in their footsteps. Common in fan culture, mentor relationships, and sports. Distinct from 好き (like) — 憧れ implies upward-looking respect.

例文

1. あんなふうに生きられる人って本当に憧れる。
2. ずっと憧れの存在だったから会えて感動した。
3. 海外で活躍する先輩は後輩みんなの憧れだよ。

使い方ガイド

場面: friends, fan communities, workplace, interviews

トーン: respectful, earnest

正しい言い方

• 憧れの先輩に褒められて嬉しい。 (I'm happy to be praised by the senpai I admire.)
• ずっと憧れてた人に会えた。 (I finally met the person I've always admired.)

避ける言い方

• 同い年の友達に「憧れ」は距離を感じさせることも (Telling a same-age friend they're your 'akogare' can create a sense of distance)

よくある間違い

• Confusing 憧れ (respectful aspiration) with 好き (liking) — 憧れ implies looking up to someone, not just liking them

起源と歴史

From the verb 憧れる (to admire/aspire to), using the kanji 憧 (yearn/admire). A classical Japanese word that has always carried the dual meaning of admiration and longing. In modern usage, it is one of the most meaningful compliments you can give someone.

文化的背景

時代: Classical Japanese, continuously used

世代: All ages

社会的背景: Universal

地域メモ: Used across all of Japan. One of the most meaningful compliments in Japanese — telling someone they are your 憧れ carries deep respect.