1.
wish; prayer; something wished for
A wish or prayer, especially one made at a shrine, temple, or during a special occasion like Tanabata (Star Festival). Conveys a heartfelt or earnest desire, often directed to a higher power or the universe.
神社で願い事をした。
I made a wish at the shrine.
七夕に短冊に願い事を書いた。
I wrote my wish on a strip of paper for Tanabata.
流れ星を見たら三回願い事を唱えると叶うと言われている。
It is said that if you see a shooting star and say your wish three times, it will come true.
CULTURAL NOTE:
願い事 is closely associated with shrine and temple visits, especially at 初詣 (New Year's shrine visit) and during 七夕 (Star Festival, July 7), when people write wishes on 短冊 (paper strips) and hang them on bamboo.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 願い事をする (to make a wish)
- 願い事が叶う (a wish comes true)
- 願い事を書く (to write a wish)
- 願い事を唱える (to say/recite a wish)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 願い事: wish (heartfelt, often spiritual/festive)
- 望み: hope, wish (broader, more general)
- 祈り: prayer (more religious or solemn)
- お願い: request, favor (directed at a person)