Quick answer
願 is the kanji for "Wish". A common reading is ねが.う (negau). You can also practice writing it on this page.
Meaning
Wish
Also : Vow · Hope · Request · Petition
Learn 願 with SRS
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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
19 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 願 represents 'PETITION'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of petition.
On-reading: がん — remember this sound by associating it with petition. Kun-reading: ねが.う.
Example Sentences
合格を心から願っています。
ごうかくをこころからねがっています。
I sincerely hope you pass.
ちょっとお願いがあるのですが、今お時間はありますか？
ちょっとおねがいがあるのですが、いまおじかんはありますか？
I have a small request — do you have a moment right now?
Vocabulary using 願
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
Learn 願 with Spaced Repetition
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