This kanji originally depicted a person on top of a tower, keeping watch into the distance day and night. Because of this, the kanji came to mean ‘hope’—the kind that never gives up and seeks a way to break through difficult situations.
Words & Phrases
- 望遠(bouen):A device that uses lenses to make distant objects appear larger.
- 望郷(boukyou):Missing one’s hometown
- 希望（kibou):Wishing for a better future, both in who you want to become and what you hope for others.