悲願(ひがん)

Originally a Buddhist term referring to the compassionate vow of a bodhisattva to save all beings. In modern usage, it describes a deeply held, long-standing aspiration, often one that has involved struggle or repeated failure. Commonly seen in sports reporting and political contexts.

Common collocations

• 悲願(ひがん)の優勝(ゆうしょう): long-awaited championship victory
• 悲願(ひがん)を達成(たっせい)する: to achieve a long-cherished goal
• 悲願(ひがん)が実現(じつげん)する: a long-held dream comes true
• 悲願(ひがん)成就(じょうじゅ): fulfillment of a heartfelt wish

Similar words

• 念願(ねんがん): long-held wish — very similar but less emotionally charged; more common in everyday speech
• 宿願(しゅくがん): long-cherished desire — literary, emphasizes something carried for a long time
• 夢(ゆめ): dream — broader and less formal