Quick answer
念 is the kanji for "Wish". It is a JLPT N3 kanji. The main reading is ねん (nen). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
Wish
Also : Idea · Sense · Desire · Thought
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
8 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 念 represents 'WISH'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of wish.
On-reading: ねん — remember this sound by associating it with wish.
Example Sentences
残念ながら参加できません。
ざんねんながらさんかできません。
Unfortunately I cannot participate.
長年の念願だった留学が、ついに叶いました。
ながねんのねんがんだったりゅうがくが、ついにかないました。
My long-cherished dream of studying abroad has finally come true.
Vocabulary using 念
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
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