Quick answer
望 is the kanji for "Hope". The most common reading is のぞ.む (nozomu). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Hope
Also : Desire · Expect · Ambition
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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
11 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 望 represents 'AMBITION'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of ambition.
On-reading: ぼう — remember this sound by associating it with ambition. Kun-reading: のぞ.む.
Example Sentences
卒業式のスピーチで、将来の夢と希望について語りました。
そつぎょうしきのすぴーちで、しょうらいのゆめときぼうについてかたりました。
In my graduation speech, I talked about my dreams and hopes for the future.
望ましい結果が得られました。
のぞましいけっかがえられました。
Desirable results were obtained.
Vocabulary using 望
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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