Meaning and Usage
The word "夢" (ゆめ) primarily means "dream" in two main senses: the images and stories experienced during sleep, and a person's hopes or ambitions for the future.
Literal Use: Dreams During Sleep
When talking about what you see or experience while sleeping, "夢" refers to those mental images or stories. For example, "変な夢を見た" means "I had a strange dream." This is a very common everyday use.
Figurative Use: Hopes and Ambitions
"夢" is also used to express one's aspirations or goals, such as "医者になる夢" (a dream to become a doctor). This usage is often motivational and appears in encouraging phrases like "夢をあきらめないで" (Don't give up on your dreams).
Common Collocations and Patterns
- 夢を見る (ゆめをみる): to have a dream (while sleeping)
- 夢を叶える (ゆめをかなえる): to fulfill a dream
- 夢をあきらめる: to give up on a dream
- 夢中になる: to be absorbed or crazy about something (related word, but different meaning)
Register and Nuance
"夢" is a neutral word used in both casual and formal contexts. When talking about ambitions, it often carries a positive, hopeful nuance.
Learner Tip
Be careful not to confuse "夢" (dream) with "目" (eye) or "夢中" (being absorbed). Also, when using "夢" for ambitions, it often pairs with verbs like "叶える" (to fulfill) or "あきらめる" (to give up).