ようにいのる
Meanings
- Pray that...
- Hope that...
- Keep fingers crossed that...
About this pattern
Explanation
This grammar point is used when you express hoping for a future outcome by praying or wishing for it. It often conveys a personal wish or concern for yourself or someone else. The action in front of ように祈る is typically a verb in the る-form (dictionary form + る) or a verb in a form that describes the desired result. It emphasizes the speaker’s earnest hope rather than a direct command or simple wish. It is common in both spoken and written Japanese when talking about hopes for recovery, success, safety, or favorable outcomes. Note that 祈る here means “to pray,” but it can be used more broadly as “to hope” in everyday speech, especially in formal or solemn contexts.
Learn in context
Example sentences
I am praying that her illness will heal.
I hope that I will pass; I am keeping my fingers crossed and praying.
I pray that the trip will go safely.
I pray that his dream will come true.
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More N4 patterns
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View detailsWe/They/You all (plural forms); These/Those (plural demonstratives); Plural suffix for certain pronouns and demonstratives
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