Translation guide
The English verb 'pray' is used in religious contexts (speaking to a deity) and in secular contexts (hoping or pleading earnestly). In Japanese, these are expressed with different words and patterns. Religious prayer uses 祈る (inoru), while secular wishing uses expressions like 願う (negau) or 〜ますように. Direct translation of 'pray' into secular contexts often sounds unnatural; use appropriate alternatives.
To speak to a god, deity, or spiritual being, often in a set form or ritual.
The standard verb for religious prayer. Used for praying to gods, at shrines/temples, or before meals.
I pray to God every night before bed.
I prayed for passing the exam at the shrine.
A polite noun phrase meaning 'to say a prayer'. Often used in formal or set contexts.
Let's say a prayer before the meal.
Literary/formal: 'to offer a prayer'. Used in religious ceremonies or written language.
They offered prayers for peace.
To hope very strongly for something, often expressed as a wish or plea.
A sentence-ending pattern expressing a wish or hope. Attach to the polite form of a verb. Very common in everyday speech and writing.
I pray that I pass the exam.
I pray you get well soon.
To wish, hope, or request earnestly. Often used in set phrases like 願っています or お願いします. Less religious than 祈る.
Literally 'a feeling like praying'. Used to describe a desperate hope, not actual religious prayer.
To ask for something in a very earnest or desperate way.
While 祈る can be used metaphorically, it often sounds overly religious or dramatic in casual secular contexts. For everyday hopes, use 〜ますように or 願う instead.
I pray it doesn't rain. (natural)
I pray it doesn't rain. (sounds religious/overly dramatic)
祈る is primarily religious or spiritual. 願う is a general verb for wishing/hoping and is safer for secular contexts. 願う is also used in the common phrase お願いします (please).
She prayed that he would come back safely.
Can be religious or deeply emotional.
I pray for peace.
I can only pray that you stay safe.
I waited for the results with a prayer-like feeling.
もう一度チャンスをくださいと頼んだ。
I prayed for another chance.
She prayed desperately, but her plea was not heard.