志望

• Reading: しぼう
• Romaji: shibou
• Kanji breakdown: 志 (shi) — aspiration, will, intention; 望 (bou) — hope, desire, gaze
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.boː/

Meaning

Wish; desire; ambition. A strong aspiration toward a particular goal or career.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (志望する). Commonly used in educational and career contexts: 大学を志望する (to aspire to enter a university), 志望動機 (motivation for applying), 第一志望 (first choice). More goal-oriented than 希望 (general hope), often implying a career or academic aspiration.

Examples

1. 彼女は医学部を第一志望にしている。 Her first-choice school is the medical department.
2. 面接で志望動機を聞かれた。 I was asked about my motivation for applying during the interview.
3. 子供のころから教師を志望していた。 I've wanted to be a teacher ever since I was a kid.

Usage Guide

Context: education, career, applications

Tone: earnest

Origin & History

Compound of 志 (shi, will/aspiration) and 望 (bou, hope/desire). Together, 'aspiring will' — a focused desire toward achieving a specific goal.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Young adults

Social background: Universal