Meaning and Usage
The verb 祈る (いのる) means "to pray" or "to wish earnestly." It is commonly used when expressing hopes or desires for someone's well-being, success, or happiness.
Common Contexts
You will often hear 祈る in religious or spiritual contexts, such as praying at a shrine or temple. However, it is also used more generally to express heartfelt wishes, like hoping for good exam results or someone's recovery.
Collocations and Patterns
- 〜を祈る: to pray for something (e.g., 健康を祈る - pray for health)
- 〜できるように祈る: to pray that one can do something (e.g., 合格できるように祈る - pray to pass)
- 神社で祈る: to pray at a shrine
Register and Politeness
祈る is neutral in politeness and can be used in both casual and formal situations. When speaking politely, you might use the て-form with います (祈っています) to express ongoing prayer or hope.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 祈る with 願う (ねがう), which also means "to wish." The difference is that 祈る often implies a spiritual or religious nuance, while 願う is more general and secular. Use 祈る when you want to emphasize the act of praying or a solemn wish.