How to say "desire" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 願うねがうgodan verb, transitive verbThe verb for desiring something in the sense of wishing or hoping for it, often addressed to fate, a deity, or another person; typical when praying for or earnestly requesting something.私達は平和を願う。↗We long for peace.
- 願いねがいnounThe noun form of 願う, covering desire as a wish or hope one holds, such as a wish for someone's happiness or success; often used of heartfelt, cherished desires.
- 望むのぞむgodan verb, transitive verbCovers desiring in the sense of wanting a particular outcome or state of affairs; used when the speaker desires or hopes for something specific, as in desiring a certain result or change.
- 願望がんぼうnoun, suru verb, transitive verbA noun for desire as a strong wish or aspiration held within oneself, such as a desire for achievement; it names the desire itself rather than the act of desiring.
- 欲求よっきゅうnoun, suru verb, transitive verbDesire as an urge, drive, or want, often of a psychological or physical kind; suits contexts like a desire for food, satisfaction, or recognition, where something felt as a need is meant.
「願う」／「願い」 express wishing or praying for something, 「望む」 focuses on wanting a particular outcome, 願望 names a strong wish or aspiration, and 欲求 is a drive or want, often psychological.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- 願うねがうto desire
- 願いねがいdesire
- 望むのぞむto desire
- 願望がんぼうdesire
- 欲求よっきゅうdesire
- 欲望よくぼうdesire
- 欲よくgreed
- 望みのぞみwish
- 意欲いよくwill
- 志望しぼうwish
- 欲するほっするto want
- 志願しがんaspiration
- 要求ようきゅうdemand
- 願い事ねがいごとwish
- ウイルwill
- 所望しょもうdesire
- デザイアdesire
- 庶幾しょきdesire
- 欲念よくねんdesire
- 欲しさほしさdesire
- 渇愛かつあいthirst
- 所願しょがんwish
- したがるto wish (to do)
- アスピレーションaspiration
- 欲情よくじょうpassion
- 思いおもいdesire
- 念ねんdesire
- 愛あいattachment
- 好みこのみwish
- 意地いじappetite
- 思うおもうto feel
- 色気いろけdesire
- 色しょくlust
See also
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