ロマン

ろまん
noun
romance, grand dream, adventure
1. romance, grand dream, sense of adventure
A feeling of excitement and wonder associated with grand ideals, ambitious dreams, or the allure of the unknown. Often used to describe a sense of longing for something epic or aspirational.
宇宙(うちゅう)にはロマンがある。
There is a sense of romance in space.
(おとこ)のロマンだと()われた。
I was told it's a man's romance.
古代(こだい)文明(ぶんめい)(なぞ)にはロマンを(かん)じずにはいられない。
You can't help but feel a sense of wonder at the mysteries of ancient civilizations.

ロマン comes from French "roman" (novel/romance) and in Japanese carries a sense of grand dreams, wonder, and aspiration rather than romantic love specifically.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • ロマンがある: to have a sense of wonder/romance
  • ロマンを(かん)じる: to feel a sense of romance/wonder
  • ロマンを()(もと)める: to pursue one's grand dream
  • (おとこ)のロマン: a man's dream/passion

NOTE:
Unlike English "romance," ロマン does not primarily refer to love. For romantic love, ロマンス is used instead. ロマン emphasizes an idealistic, almost poetic longing—often for adventure, discovery, or grand achievements.