希望
希望 (kibō) refers to the feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen or the prospect of a bright future. It can describe a personal wish, a formal request for specific conditions, or the general concept of hope in a broad sense.
Examples
3 of 5新しい年に希望を持っています。
I have hope for the new year.
貴社のさらなる発展を希望いたします。
I hope for the further development of your company.
休み、どこ行きたい?何か希望ある?
Where do you want to go for the holiday? Any requests?
Word Family
Memory Tip
The first kanji 希 means 'rare' and the second 望 means 'to look far/gaze'. Think of gazing far into the distance to see a rare, bright star of hope.
Quick Quiz
将来に明るい( )を持っています。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 希望
Examples
新しい年に希望を持っています。
everydayI have hope for the new year.
貴社のさらなる発展を希望いたします。
formalI hope for the further development of your company.
休み、どこ行きたい?何か希望ある?
informalWhere do you want to go for the holiday? Any requests?
この新薬は多くの患者に希望を与えるだろう。
academicThis new medicine will likely give hope to many patients.
給与に関するご希望を教えてください。
businessPlease let us know your salary expectations/desires.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
希望の光
a ray of hope
希望に満ちる
to be full of hope
希望を託す
to entrust one's hopes to someone/something
Often Confused With
Negai is often a specific wish or prayer, while kibō is a broader sense of hope or a formal preference/requirement.
Kitai refers to an expectation that something will happen, whereas kibō is the desire for something to happen.
Usage Notes
希望 is versatile and can be used as a noun or a suru-verb. In professional settings, it is the standard way to express your preferences or requirements regarding a contract or position.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 'kibō' when 'hoshii' (wanting an object) is more appropriate in casual speech. It is also important not to confuse it with 'zetsubō' (despair), which is its direct opposite.
Memory Tip
The first kanji 希 means 'rare' and the second 望 means 'to look far/gaze'. Think of gazing far into the distance to see a rare, bright star of hope.
Word Origin
Derived from Sino-Japanese roots where '希' (ki) means 'scarce/desire' and '望' (bō) means 'look/expect'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In the Japanese education system and job market, 'dai-ichi kibō' (first choice) is a crucial term used to indicate one's top priority school or company.
Quick Quiz
将来に明るい( )を持っています。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 希望
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
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