1.
to build up one's expectations; to get one's hopes up
To let one's anticipation or hopes grow larger.
新しい仕事に期待を膨らませている。
I'm building up my expectations for the new job.
子どもたちは遠足に期待を膨らませていた。
The children were getting excited about the field trip.
あまり期待を膨らませすぎると、がっかりすることもある。
If you build up your expectations too much, you might end up disappointed.
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
GRAMMAR NOTE:
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).
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 期待する: to expect, to look forward to — neutral and straightforward
- 楽しみにする: to look forward to — emphasizes pleasure and excitement
- 待ち望む: to eagerly await — more literary and formal