How to say "aspiration" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 希望きぼうnoun, suru verb, transitive verbAspiration as a hope or wish — wanting something good to happen or be achieved. When you mean your hopes for the future in general, this is the natural choice.
- 抱負ほうふnounAspiration as one's own ambition — the aims and plans you hold for what you will do or achieve, the kind of thing spoken of when starting a new job or year.
- 志願しがんsuru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verb, no-adjectiveAspiration in the sense of volunteering or applying — putting yourself forward for service, a position, or admission. It is not the word for a cherished dream or a general hope.
- 憧れあこがれno-adjectiveAspiration felt as yearning or admiration — longing for a person, occupation, or way of life you look up to and dream of attaining or becoming.
- 願望がんぼうnoun, suru verb, transitive verbAspiration as a desire or wish — the wanting itself, rather than a stated goal or plan. Choose it when the emphasis falls on what is desired.
For 'aspiration', pick 希望 for hopeful wishes, 抱負 for one's own ambitions and plans, 志願 for volunteering or applying, 「憧れ」 for admiring longing, and 願望 for desire or wish as such.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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