願望

A deep desire, wish, or aspiration

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Other forms

願望する verb form

Noun, Suru verb

A Strong Wish / Aspiration

Refers to a strong internal desire or aspiration for a specific outcome or state to become reality.

Good to know

願望（がんぼう） means a deep wish, desire, or aspiration, but it sounds more objective and analytical than everyday “want.” It often describes the existence of a desire inside someone, not the act of making a wish.

It is stiffer than 願い（ねがい） and different from 希望（きぼう）, which often means a hope, preference, or requested outcome for the future.

Common patterns include 結婚願望（けっこんがんぼう）, “desire to marry,” and 変身願望（へんしんがんぼう）, “desire to transform oneself.” You may also see 願望を抱く（がんぼうをいだく）, “to harbor a desire.”

Do not use 願望 for ordinary daily wants, like wanting food or wanting to buy something. Use ～たい or 欲しい（ほしい） instead.

Example

海外で働くのが私の長年の願望です。

Working abroad has been my aspiration for many years.

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VOCAB 2 / 30

願望

がんぼう

A deep desire, wish, or aspiration

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