懇願

• Reading: こんがん
• Romaji: kongan
• Kanji breakdown: 懇 (kon) — cordial, earnest, sincere; 願 (gan) — wish, request, petition
• Pronunciation: /ko.ŋ.ɡaɴ/

Meaning

Pleading; entreaty; supplication. An earnest, heartfelt request made with great sincerity.

A noun and suru-verb describing an intense, emotional plea or earnest request. Stronger than お願い (onegai, request) or 嘆願 (tangan, petition) in emotional intensity. Implies desperation or deep sincerity on the part of the person asking. Common patterns include 懇願する (to plead/beg), 懇願の目 (pleading eyes), and 涙ながらに懇願する (to plead in tears). Often appears in dramatic, literary, or formal contexts.

Examples

1. 母親は医者に手術をしてほしいと懇願した。 The mother pleaded with the doctor to perform the surgery.
2. 彼は涙を流しながら許しを懇願した。 He begged for forgiveness while shedding tears.
3. 住民は市に公園を残すよう懇願している。 The residents are pleading with the city to preserve the park.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, drama, formal appeals

Tone: emotional

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 懇 (kon, cordial/earnest/sincere) + 願 (gan, wish/request/petition). Together 'an earnest wish' — a request made with the utmost sincerity and emotional urgency.

Cultural Context

Era: Pre-modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal