Translation guide
The act of asking humbly and earnestly, often in a religious or desperate context. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific verbs, set phrases, and gestures rather than a single noun.
To ask for something with deep humility and sincerity, often in a personal or desperate situation.
The most direct equivalent, meaning to entreat or implore earnestly. Used in both spoken and written contexts.
彼は助けを懇願した。
He supplicated for help.
To pray or make a humble petition to a deity or higher power.
To pray for something, often used in religious or spiritual contexts. Implies a formal or earnest wish.
信者たちは平和を祈願した。
The believers supplicated for peace.
To make a formal, often written, request to an authority.
To petition or appeal earnestly, often in writing. Used in legal or official contexts.
住民は市に道路の修理を嘆願した。
The residents supplicated the city for road repairs.
懇願 (こんがん) is a general earnest request. 哀願 (あいがん) emphasizes a pitiful, desperate plea. 嘆願 (たんがん) is often used for formal petitions to authorities.
To plead or beg piteously, often with a sense of desperation. Slightly more emotional than 懇願する.
彼女は命だけは助けてと哀願した。
She supplicated, 'Please spare my life.'
A polite request that can convey supplication when used with appropriate tone and context, especially in everyday situations.
どうかお願いします、許してください。
I beg you, please forgive me.
The general verb for 'to pray'. Can be used for supplication when the context is clear.
彼は神に許しを祈った。
He supplicated God for forgiveness.
To make a vow or petition to a deity, often involving a specific practice like visiting a shrine. More specific to Japanese religious customs.
彼女は合格を願をかけた。
She supplicated for passing the exam.
To submit a formal petition or request, often to a government body. Slightly more procedural than 嘆願する.
彼らは法律の改正を請願した。
They supplicated for a revision of the law.
The citizens submitted a supplication to the mayor.
English 'supplication' as a noun is rarely directly translated. Instead, use verb phrases like 懇願する or 祈願する. The noun form 懇願 exists but is less common in natural speech.
The citizens submitted a supplication to the mayor.
English 'supplication' as a noun is rarely directly translated. Instead, use verb phrases like 懇願する or 祈願する. The noun form 懇願 exists but is less common in natural speech.