1.
to build up one's expectations; to get one's hopes up
To let one's anticipation or hopes grow larger.
A vivid idiomatic expression that uses the image of expectations swelling or inflating like a balloon. 膨らます means "to inflate" or "to swell," creating a physical metaphor for growing anticipation. Very commonly used in the て form as 期待を膨らませて (with expectations swelling).
Common collocations
- 期待を膨らませる: to build up expectations (ichidan variant, also common)
- 期待に胸を膨らませる: to have one's heart swell with expectation
- 夢を膨らませる: to let one's dreams grow
Common patterns
Both 膨らます (godan) and 膨らませる (ichidan) are used. The ichidan form 膨らませる is more common in modern usage, especially in the て form (膨らませて).