待つ vs 待ち望む
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 待つ
Listen to 待ち望む
| 待つ | 待ち望む |
|---|---|
ma-TSU verb (u-verb) | まちのぞむ verb (u-verb) |
| to wait; to stay in expectation for someone or something | to long for; to await eagerly |
How they differ
待ち望む carries a strong emotional tone of longing or eager anticipation and stresses desire for an outcome, whereas 待つ is neutral and does not imply emotion. You would not use 待ち望む for neutral, involuntary waiting (like waiting at a bus stop).
When to use each
When to use 待つ: Prefer 待つ when the waiting is factual or neutral without strong emotional investment.
When to use 待ち望む: Prefer 待ち望む to emphasize eager anticipation or longing for a future event or result.
Side-by-side examples
- 新幹線をホームで待っていた。
(I was waiting for the Shinkansen on the platform.) - ファンはライブの開始を待ち望んでいる。
(Fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the concert.)
Register & nuance: 待ち望む is slightly more literary or emotional and appears often in written or expressive contexts; 待つ is the plain, everyday choice.