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For Life
2005.04.28(Review of 2002.01.08 edition)

All this week, we've been touring the magnificent temples and shrines of Kyoto and Nara. It's easy to become quietly thoughtful in such surroundings, reflecting upon life and how best to live it. Sometimes, as well, we find ourselves with hands joined together and head bowed, silently asking that the future may be good to us and to others. Here's how to talk about such moments.

Today's LessonCATEGORY: 混同しやすい言葉
MAKE A WISH vs. PRAY   願い事をする vs. 神に祈る

Explanation

  • To make a wish is to try to cause something to happen by thinking or saying the thing you want, usually in connection with a special action such as blowing out candles on a birthday cake, seeing a falling star, or throwing a coin into a fountain.

    To pray for something is to try to cause something to happen by asking a god for it.
  • make a wish は、何かが起こってほしいという希望を表すことによって、それが起こるようにしようとする、つまり願い事をするという意味です。大抵、誕生日ケーキのろうそくを消したり、流れ星を見たり、噴水に小銭を投げたり、という行為と共に行われます。

    pray for something は、何かが起こってほしいと神に願う、つまり神に祈るという意味です。

examples

  1. (after lighting the candles on a birthday cake and singing “Happy Birthday”)
    Make a wish and blow out the candles!
  2. Have you ever made a wish on a falling star?
  3. I threw a coin into the fountain and made a wish that Diane would be my wife.
  4. If I had a magic lamp like Aladdin, I would make a wish for a life filled with adventure.
  5. Every year on the 1st of January, I go to the Meiji Shrine and pray for my family's health and happiness.
  6. If enough people prayed for peace, maybe there would be no more war.

英会話レッスンMay all your prayers be answered and all your wishes come true!