望む

nozomu

verb★Intermediate

formal

to hope for; to wish for; to desire (usually an abstract or future outcome)

私は平和な世界を望む。

I wish for a peaceful world.

💡

Often used with nouns marked by を or が. For concrete personal desires, 欲する is more common.

Collocations

望む結果desired result望むようにas one wishes望むことwhat one hopes for

望むところphrase

what one hopes for; the expected outcome

望むままにphrase

as one wishes; according to one's desire

When the object of the wish is a noun, attach を (e.g., 成功を望む). When the subject is the one who wishes, が can be used (e.g., 私が成功を望む).

For specific material wants (e.g., a car, food), prefer 欲する or other verbs; 望む sounds more abstract or formal.

Composed of the kanji 望 (hope, desire) and the verb suffix む, which historically indicated a volitional or desiderative action.

Use 望む for abstract wishes, hopes, or expectations. For tangible personal wants, 欲する or 望む in the sense of 'to expect' is more natural.

望

hope, desire

root

和英辞典