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.
毎晩寝る前に神に祈ります。
I pray to God every night before bed.
神社で合格を祈った。
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.
食事前にお祈りをしましょう。
Let's say a prayer before the meal.
Literary/formal: 'to offer a prayer'. Used in religious ceremonies or written language.
平和のために祈りを捧げた。
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.
試験に合格できますように。
I pray that I pass the exam.
早く良くなりますように。
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.
平和を願っています。
I pray for peace.
どうか無事でいてくださいと願うばかりです。
I can only pray that you stay safe.
Literally 'a feeling like praying'. Used to describe a desperate hope, not actual religious prayer.
祈るような気持ちで結果を待った。
I waited for the results with a prayer-like feeling.
To ask for something in a very earnest or desperate way.
To plead, entreat, or beg earnestly. Stronger than 頼む.
彼は助けてくれと懇願した。
He prayed for help.
To ask, request, or beg. Common in everyday speech. Can be used for earnest requests.
もう一度チャンスをくださいと頼んだ。
I prayed for another chance.
To beg desperately. Adds intensity to 頼む.
彼女は必死に頼んだが、聞き入れられなかった。
She prayed desperately, but her plea was not heard.
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.
雨が降りませんように。
I pray it doesn't rain. (natural)
雨が降らないことを祈る。
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).
彼女は彼が無事に帰ってくるようにと祈った。
She prayed that he would come back safely.
Can be religious or deeply emotional.