Meaning and Usage
"祈り" (いのり) means "prayer" or "supplication" and is used to express a deep wish or request to a higher power or for good fortune. It often appears in religious or solemn contexts but can also be used metaphorically to express hope or desire.
Common Contexts
People use "祈り" when talking about praying for health, safety, success, or peace. It can be a noun referring to the act or content of praying.
Collocations and Patterns
- 祈りを捧げる: to offer a prayer, often in a formal or religious setting.
- 祈り続ける: to keep praying, showing persistence or earnestness.
- 祈りの言葉: words of prayer, often recited or chanted.
Register and Nuance
"祈り" is generally formal or literary and is common in written language, religious ceremonies, or serious conversations. It is less common in casual daily talk where simpler expressions like "お願い" might be used.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "祈り" with "願い" (ねがい), which also means wish or desire. "祈り" implies a spiritual or religious dimension, while "願い" is more general and secular. Use "祈り" when emphasizing a prayer or solemn request.