Translation guide
This concept describes the moment when a deeply sincere wish or prayer is granted. In Japanese, it is often expressed through set phrases, verbs, or idiomatic expressions that emphasize the emotional weight of having one's prayers fulfilled.
Expressing that a heartfelt prayer or wish has been answered or realized.
A common and natural way to say a wish comes true. The verb 叶う means 'to be granted' or 'to come true'.
長年の願いが叶って、本当に嬉しいです。
My long-held wish has come true, and I'm truly happy.
Literally 'prayer gets through', implying that one's prayer has been heard and answered. Often used in a spiritual or emotional context.
Focusing on the emotional or dramatic moment when the prayer is answered.
Literally 'prayer bears fruit', a poetic way to say that earnest prayers have finally yielded results.
彼女の祈りが実って、無事に赤ちゃんが生まれました。
Her prayers bore fruit, and the baby was born safely.
願い (negai) is a general wish or desire, while 祈り (inori) specifically refers to a prayer, often with a spiritual or religious connotation. Use 祈り when the act of praying is central.
願い事を短冊に書く。
Write a wish on a tanzaku strip.
神社で祈りを捧げる。
Offer a prayer at the shrine.
The English phrase 'one's earnest prayer being answered' is a noun phrase. In Japanese, it is more natural to use a verb phrase like 願いが叶う or 祈りが通じる. A direct noun translation like '祈りの応答' sounds unnatural.
神様に祈りが通じて、病気が治りました。
My prayers were answered by God, and my illness was cured.
Means 'wish reaches (someone/something)', often used when a wish is conveyed to a higher power or the universe.
星に願いが届いたのか、偶然彼に会えた。
Maybe my wish reached the stars, because I happened to meet him.
A formal noun meaning 'fulfillment' or 'realization', often used in religious or literary contexts.
祈願の成就を感謝する。
I give thanks for the fulfillment of my prayer.
念願 means 'one's heart's desire' or 'long-cherished wish'. This phrase emphasizes a deeply held wish coming true.
念願が叶って、留学することができました。
My long-cherished dream came true, and I was able to study abroad.