念ねんじる

ichidan verb, transitive verb

wish for; pray for; hope for

Used for earnestly wishing or hoping for something, often with a strong mental focus. Can be used in both secular and spiritual contexts.

• 彼かの女じょの幸しあわせを心こころから念ねんじている。

  I sincerely wish for her happiness.

• 成せい功こうを念ねんじて、毎まい日にち努ど力りょくしている。

  I work hard every day, hoping for success.

ichidan verb, transitive verb

pray silently; recite in one's mind; chant inwardly

Specifically refers to silent, internal prayer or mental recitation, often of Buddhist sutras or the Buddha's name. Distinct from vocal chanting.

• 毎まい朝あさ、心こころの中なかでお経きょうを念ねんじている。

  Every morning, I recite the sutra silently in my mind.

• 彼かれは数じゅ珠ずを手てに、仏ほとけの名なを念ねんじた。

  With prayer beads in hand, he chanted the Buddha's name inwardly.