願う

• Reading: ねがう
• Romaji: negau
• Kanji breakdown: 願 (gan/nega) — wish, request, prayer
• Pronunciation: /ne.ɡa.ɯ/

Meaning

To wish; to hope; to pray for. Used when earnestly requesting or hoping for something, often with a sense of reverence.

A Group 1 (godan) verb. Used in both everyday and formal contexts. Common in polite requests like お願いします (please), at shrines and temples for prayers, and in expressing heartfelt hopes. Often paired with ように to express wishes.

Examples

1. 神社で家族の健康を願った。 I prayed for my family's health at the shrine.
2. 試験に合格できるように願っている。 I'm hoping that I can pass the exam.
3. お客様のご理解をお願いいたします。 We appreciate your understanding.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, religion, formal requests

Tone: respectful

Origin & History

From classical Japanese 願ふ (negafu). The kanji 願 combines 原 (original/source) and 頁 (head), suggesting bowing one's head at the source — a gesture of supplication.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal