Translation guide
Expressing a desire for something to happen or be true, often with an element of uncertainty. Japanese uses various constructions depending on the subject, degree of desire, and formality.
明日晴れるといいですね。
I hope it's sunny tomorrow.
来てほしいです。
I hope you come.
Expressing one's own hope for something to happen or be true.
A common, natural way to say 'I hope...' about a situation or outcome. Often used with 〜といいですね or 〜といいな(あ) for a softer tone.
明日晴れるといいですね。
I hope it's sunny tomorrow.
試験に合格するといいな。
I hope I pass the exam.
Used with verbs like 祈る (to pray) or 願う (to wish) to express a hope or wish. Often used in formal or heartfelt contexts.
成功するように祈っています。
I'm praying for your success.
早く良くなるように願っています。
I hope you get well soon.
A more formal or literary verb meaning 'to hope for' or 'to desire'. Often used in written language or formal speech.
平和を望む。
I hope for peace.
Means 'to expect' or 'to hope for' with a sense of anticipation. Can imply a stronger expectation than 望む.
良い結果を期待しています。
I'm hoping for good results.
Expressing a hope that someone else will do something.
Used to say 'I want someone to do something' or 'I hope someone does something'. The subject is marked with に.
彼に来てほしい。
I hope he comes.
早く返事をしてほしいです。
I hope you reply soon.
Can also be used for hopes about others' actions, but is less direct than 〜てほしい.
彼が来るといいね。
I hope he comes.
Expressing hope for a specific thing, event, or state.
A noun meaning 'hope' or 'wish'. Often used in formal contexts or set phrases.
希望を持ってください。
Please have hope.
平和への希望を捨てないで。
Don't give up hope for peace.
A noun meaning 'hope' or 'desire', often used in more emotional or personal contexts.
Formally expressing a hope or wish, often in writing or speeches.
A polite pattern used to express a wish or hope, often at the end of a letter or in prayers. The verb is in ます form.
良い一年になりますように。
I hope you have a good year.
お元気でいらっしゃいますように。
I hope you are doing well.
Use 〜といい for general hopes about situations or outcomes. Use 〜てほしい when you want a specific person to do something. 〜てほしい is more direct and personal.
雨がやむといいな。
I hope the rain stops.
彼に手伝ってほしい。
I hope he helps me.
English 'hope' is often not directly translated as 望む or 希望 in casual conversation. Using 〜といい or 〜てほしい is much more natural for everyday hopes.
早く良くなるといいですね。
I hope you feel better soon.
また会えるといいですね。
I hope we can meet again.
Don't lose hope.