Usage patterns 〈 事こと 〉 に 願がん を 込こ める to put one's wish or hope into something
I folded the paper crane, putting my wish into it.
願がん が 叶かな う for one's wish or prayer to come true
My long-held wish finally came true.
願がん を 果は たす to fulfill a vow one has made
After finishing the pilgrimage, he fulfilled his vow.
Expressions 願がん をかける make a wish to a god; pray for a wish to come true 願がん を 立た てる make a wish to a god; pray for a wish to come true Related words 願い is the common, everyday word for a wish or request, while 願 is more formal and often tied to religious vows or solemn pledges.
誓い emphasizes a binding promise or oath one makes to oneself or others, whereas 願 is a wish or prayer directed outward, often to a deity.
祈り refers to the act of praying itself, while 願 is the content of the wish or vow being prayed for.
Word family· 44 desire; wish; aspiration
volunteering; application; aspiration
prayer; supplication
one's heart's desire; one's dearest wish
earnest request; pleading; entreaty
Show 24 more Show fewer application; filing an application
dearest wish; long-cherished desire · Buddha's vow to save all beings
entreaty; appeal; petition
petition; formal request
written application; written request; petition · written prayer (shrine/temple)
making a prayer to a god or Buddha; votive prayer
at one's request; by request; upon application
supplication; appeal; entreaty; petition
religious vow · prayer (by making a vow)
applying to multiple schools; simultaneous application
fulfillment of a vow
Buddhist vow; arousing the aspiration for enlightenment · prayer; making a vow; praying
long-cherished desire; longstanding wish
great vow; great ambition
praying by proxy; applying by proxy
entreaty; supplication; earnest request
imperial prayer; prayer by imperial command
single application; applying to only one school
single application; applying to only one school
prayer; heartfelt wish
wish; desire
ardent desire; fervent wish
patent application
prayer to a god; making a vow to a deity
See all 44 in Explore →
Etymology The kanji 願 combines 原 (source, origin) and 頁 (head), originally meaning 'to turn one's head toward the source' and later extended to 'prayer' or 'wish'. The reading がん is the on'yomi.
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