第 二 志 望(だいにしぼう)

だいにしぼう

noun

second choice; second preference

academic

1. second choice; second preference; backup option

One's second-ranked preference, typically when applying for schools, universities, jobs, or other competitive selections. Used in the context of ranking multiple options in order of desirability.

第二志望(だいにしぼう)の大学(だいがく)に合格(ごうかく)した。

I was accepted to my second-choice university.

第一志望(だいいちしぼう)がだめだったら、第二志望(だいにしぼう)に切(き)り替(か)える。

If my first choice doesn't work out, I'll switch to my second choice.

就職(しゅうしょく)活動(かつどう)では第二志望(だいにしぼう)の会社(かいしゃ)にも全力(ぜんりょく)で面接(めんせつ)に臨(のぞ)むべきだ。

During job hunting, you should approach interviews at your second-choice company with full effort too.

Composed of 第二(だいに) (second, number two) and 志望(しぼう) (aspiration, preference). Part of the 第(だい)～志望(しぼう) ranking pattern used in applications for schools, universities, and jobs. Japanese entrance exams and job applications typically require listing preferences in ranked order.

Common collocations

第二志望(だいにしぼう)の学校(がっこう): second-choice school
第二志望(だいにしぼう)に受(う)かる: to pass one's second choice
第二志望(だいにしぼう)に落(お)ちる: to fail at one's second choice

Common patterns

The full ranking pattern is:

第一志望(だいいちしぼう): first choice
第二志望(だいにしぼう): second choice
第三志望(だいさんしぼう): third choice

Cultural note

In Japanese school entrance exams (受験(じゅけん)), students typically apply to multiple schools and rank them. Being accepted at one's 第二志望(だいにしぼう) rather than 第一志望(だいいちしぼう) is common and carries a mild sense of consolation rather than failure.

Related Words

Related: 第一志望(だいいちしぼう) (first choice)

general

Added 2026.5.4 1:10 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

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