Translation guide
The English word 'dream' refers to both the mental experiences during sleep and aspirations or hopes. Japanese uses different words for these meanings, and the verb forms differ as well.
Referring to the images, thoughts, and sensations experienced while sleeping.
The most common and general word for a dream during sleep. Can be used as a noun.
昨夜、怖い夢を見た。
I had a scary dream last night.
夢の内容を覚えていない。
I don't remember the content of the dream.
The standard verb phrase meaning 'to dream' (literally 'to see a dream'). Used for both sleeping dreams and daydreams.
毎晩、同じ夢を見る。
I have the same dream every night.
Specifically means 'nightmare' or 'bad dream'.
悪夢にうなされた。
I had a nightmare. (I was tormented by a nightmare.)
A dream that comes true in reality. Often used in superstitious contexts.
この夢が正夢になるといいな。
I hope this dream comes true.
Referring to a cherished desire, ambition, or ideal for the future.
The same word as for sleeping dreams, but context distinguishes the meaning. Very common for personal aspirations.
私の夢は医者になることです。
My dream is to become a doctor.
夢を追いかける。
To pursue one's dreams.
Means 'ideal' or 'dream' in the sense of a perfect vision. More formal and abstract than 夢.
Means 'longing' or 'admiration'. Often used for dreams that involve admiring someone or something.
Means 'hope' or 'wish'. Can be used for dreams in the sense of something hoped for.
Referring to pleasant thoughts that distract from the present, or imagining something unrealistic.
Means 'to be absorbed in daydreaming/fantasy'. 空想 means 'fantasy' or 'daydream'.
授業中に空想にふけっていた。
I was daydreaming during class.
Literally 'daytime dream', meaning 'daydream'. More literary.
それはただの白昼夢だ。
That's just a daydream.
Describing something as perfect, like a dream come true.
Means 'dreamlike' or 'like a dream'. Used to describe something wonderful and almost unreal.
夢のような休暇だった。
It was a dream vacation.
Means 'a dream within a dream', i.e., something extremely unlikely or impossible to achieve.
その計画は夢のまた夢だ。
That plan is just a pipe dream.
The phrase 夢を見る (to see a dream) is only used for sleeping dreams or daydreams. To say 'I have a dream' in the sense of an aspiration, use 夢がある or 夢を持つ.
私には夢がある。
I have a dream. (aspiration)
夢 is the most common and personal. 理想 is more abstract and formal, often used for societal or philosophical ideals. 希望 is closer to 'hope' and can be used in more concrete situations like job applications.
昨夜、変な夢を見た。
I had a strange dream last night.
私の夢は世界一周旅行をすることです。
My dream is to travel around the world.
空想にふけるのはやめて、集中して！
Stop daydreaming and focus!
To build an ideal society.
彼女はパリに憧れている。
She dreams of Paris. (She longs for Paris.)
To talk about one's dreams for the future.
Means 'dreamy state of mind' or 'feeling as if in a dream'. Used for a blissful, unreal feeling.
夢見心地で一日を過ごした。
I spent the day in a dreamy state.