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For Life
2006.01.11(Review of 2001.11.02 edition)

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Today's LessonCATEGORY: 混同しやすい言葉
HOPE vs. WISH   望む、願う vs. ~であればよいのに

Explanation

  • To hope that something happens (or is true) means that we want it to happen (or be true), and we believe it might happen (or is possible).

    Wish, when followed by a FULL SENTENCE in the PAST TENSE (for example, “I wish you were here.”) also means that you want something to happen (or be true), but you believe it probably will NOT happen (or is NOT possible). Use it to show that you are not happy about the situation.
  • hope とは、何かが起こってほしい(現実であってほしい)と望み、それが起きるかもしれない(その可能性がある)と信じる場合に使います。

    wish の後に過去形のフルセンテンスが続くと(たとえば I wish you were here. のように)、wish も、何かが起こってほしい(現実であってほしい)と望むことを表しますが、それは起こりそうもない(不可能だ)と思っていることを表します。これは、おかれている状態があまりうれしくないことを示すときに使います。

examples

  1. a: Hello, Grandma. I hope you're feeling better.
    b: I wish I was, but my cough is worse today.
  2. a: Is John going to the movie with us?
    b: I don't know. I hope he is.
  3. (after John calls to say he can't go)
    a: I wish John was going to the movie with us.
    b: Me too. It's a shame he has to work tonight.
  4. (a toast at a wedding reception)
    We all hope that the bride and groom will have a very happy life together.

英会話レッスンIt's been fun! Thanks for coming!