Translation guide
The thing someone wants most deeply; a cherished wish or longing. In Japanese, this is often expressed through nouns like 念願 or 悲願, or through set phrases describing deep wishes.
Expressing a deep, long-held personal desire or goal, often finally realized.
A long-cherished desire or wish, often used when it is finally fulfilled. Commonly appears in phrases like 念願が叶う (one's wish comes true) or 念願の〜 (the long-awaited ~).
念願のマイホームを手に入れた。
I finally got the home of my dreams.
念願が叶って、医者になれた。
My long-cherished wish came true and I became a doctor.
A fervent wish or earnest desire, often with a nuance of something deeply hoped for over a long time, sometimes against odds. Slightly more emotional than 念願.
優勝はチーム全員の悲願だった。
Winning the championship was the fervent wish of the entire team.
Literally 'what one wishes from the heart.' A straightforward, natural way to express a heartfelt desire.
彼女の心から望むことは、家族と平和に暮らすことだ。
Her heart's desire is to live peacefully with her family.
An earnest, heartfelt wish. Slightly literary or formal, often used in speeches or writing.
世界平和は私たちの切なる願いです。
World peace is our earnest desire.
Describing the ultimate object of desire, often in a romantic or dramatic context.
Literally 'the thing one wants more than anything.' A natural, conversational way to express one's greatest desire.
今、何よりも欲しいものは自由な時間だ。
Right now, my heart's desire is free time.
One's greatest hope or wish. Simple and clear.
彼の一番の望みは家族が健康でいることだ。
His heart's desire is for his family to be healthy.
Conveying a desire that comes from the core of one's being, often unspoken.
A wish from the bottom of one's heart. Emphasizes sincerity and depth of feeling.
それは私の心の底からの願いです。
That is my heart's desire.
念願 is the most common and neutral term for a long-held wish. 悲願 carries a stronger emotional weight, often implying a wish held despite hardship or adversity. Use 悲願 for dramatic or collective aspirations (e.g., a team's championship dream), and 念願 for personal goals.
The English phrase 'heart's desire' is poetic. Direct translations like 心の欲望 (こころのよくぼう) sound unnatural or overly literal. Stick to established phrases like 念願 or 心から望むこと.
世界を旅することが彼女の念願だった。
It was her heart's desire to travel the world.
彼の心からの望みは、ただ彼女と一緒にいることだった。
His heart's desire was simply to be with her.