Translation guide
A deep wish or ambition held for a long time, often with emotional weight. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed through nouns like 念願 or 宿願, or through phrases describing a long-held dream coming true.
Expressing a deep, persistent desire that one has had for years, often with a sense of finally achieving it.
The most common and natural word for a long-cherished desire or wish. Often used in the phrase 念願が叶う (one's long-cherished desire comes true).
Studying abroad was my long-cherished desire.
I finally got my long-cherished dream home.
A more formal or literary term for a long-held wish or ambition, often used in serious contexts like career goals or lifelong missions.
He was able to become a doctor, which had been his long-cherished desire.
Literally 'heartfelt wish,' often used for a deeply emotional or desperate long-held desire, sometimes with a sense of overcoming hardship.
The reconstruction of the disaster area is the residents' long-cherished desire.
Focusing on the fulfillment of a long-held wish, often using set phrases.
Describing a strong, persistent ambition, often in professional or personal development contexts.
Used for a deeply held ambition, especially when it involves overcoming obstacles. Note: this word can overlap with the previous meaning but is often used for ambitious goals.
Participating in the Olympics was his long-cherished ambition.
Literally 'a dream of many years,' a very natural way to express a long-cherished desire in casual conversation.
念願 is the most common and neutral term for a long-cherished desire. 宿願 is more formal and often used in written language or serious speeches. 悲願 carries a nuance of a heartfelt, sometimes desperate wish, often associated with overcoming great difficulties.
念願 is often used in the pattern 念願の + noun, meaning 'long-cherished ~', as in 念願のマイホーム (long-cherished dream home). It is also common in the phrase 念願が叶う (one's wish comes true).
My childhood dream came true, and I became a pilot.
Traveling around the world is my long-cherished dream.