What is the Kanji for 'Wish' and 'Hope'? | 希

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Wish' and 'Hope', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Wish' and 'Hope' is 希.

kanji

希

Meaning

Wish, Hope

Reading

onyomiき

Parts

㐅Katakana me 布Cloth, Linen

Example Word

希望: hope. The Japanese verbal noun '希望 (きぼう)' means 'hope'. It refers to a feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen. This word is often used to express aspirations, wishes, or desires for the future. For example: I have hope for the future「私は将来に希望を持っています」(わたしはしょうらいにきぼうをもっています). She lost hope「彼女は希望を失った」(かのじょはきぼうをうしなった). It can also be used in formal contexts, such as in job applications or surveys, to indicate preferences or desires, as in '希望の職種 (きぼうのしょくしゅ) (desired job type)'.

Radical

巾

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1142

Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji 希

If you visually break down this kanji, you can see it is made up of 2 parts:

radical

㐅

Meaning

Katakana me

kanji

布

Meaning

Cloth, Linen

Words Using 希

This kanji is used in 1 word:

word

希望

Meaning

Hope

Kanji Related to 希 Through the Part 㐅

These 4 kanji contain the part 㐅 as well.

kanji

気

Meaning

Spirit

kanji

刈

Meaning

Reap, Clip

kanji

凶

Meaning

Villain, Bad luck

kanji

刹

Meaning

Temple

Learn the Kanji 希

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 希 mean?

希 means 'Wish' and 'Hope'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Fourth Grade, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N2 exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.