本願

Reading

Kana: ほんがん

Romaji: hongan

Definition

noun

1

Amida Buddha's original vow; long-cherished desire

Kanji

本

Readings: ホン、 もと

Meanings: book, present, main, origin, true, real, counter for long cylindrical things

願

Readings: ガン、 ねが.う、 -ねがい

Meanings: petition, request, vow, wish, hope

Example Sentences

他力本願(たりきほんがん)じゃ、世(よ)の中(なか)渡(わた)っていけないよ。

➥You're overly reliant on people. You'll never make it in the world that way.

他力本願(たりきほんがん)じゃだめだよ。自分(じぶん)でなんとかしようという気持(きも)ちがなくちゃ。

➥You shouldn't rely on others. It's important to want to help yourself.