人望

• Reading: じんぼう
• Romaji: jinbou
• Kanji breakdown: 人 (jin) — person, people; 望 (bou) — hope, desire, expectation
• Pronunciation: /d͡ʑiɴ.boː/

Meaning

Popularity; favorable reputation; high esteem from others. The trust and respect one earns from people.

A noun describing the trust, respect, and confidence that others place in a person. Often used with 厚い (thick/deep) as 人望が厚い to describe someone who is widely trusted and respected. Differs from mere popularity in that it implies earned respect based on character rather than superficial appeal.

Examples

1. 彼は人望があるから、リーダーに選ばれた。 He was chosen as the leader because people trust and respect him.
2. 人望を得るには日頃の行動が大切だ。 Day-to-day conduct is what matters when it comes to earning people's respect.
3. あの先生は生徒からの人望がとても厚い。 That teacher is held in very high regard by his students.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, leadership, character evaluation

Tone: respectful

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 人望. 人 (jin) means person/people, and 望 (bou) means hope, desire, or expectation. Together they express the hope and trust that people direct toward someone.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal