Meaning
To express a desire for something to happen, often on special occasions.
Cultural Background
The most important rule is that you must blow out all the candles in one single breath for your wish to come true. If even one candle stays lit, the wish is 'canceled.' At the Trevi Fountain in Rome, there is a specific way to make a wish: you must throw the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder. During the Tanabata festival (Star Festival), wishes are written on colorful paper called 'tanzaku' and tied to bamboo branches. This is a communal way of making wishes. If you are sitting between two people who have the same first name, you are in a 'lucky spot' and can make a wish.
The Secret Rule
In English-speaking cultures, if you tell someone your wish, it won't come true! Keep it a secret until it happens.
Make vs. Do
Never say 'do a wish.' It is one of the most common mistakes for English learners. Always use 'make.'
Meaning
To express a desire for something to happen, often on special occasions.
The Secret Rule
In English-speaking cultures, if you tell someone your wish, it won't come true! Keep it a secret until it happens.
Make vs. Do
Never say 'do a wish.' It is one of the most common mistakes for English learners. Always use 'make.'
11:11
If you see 11:11 on a digital clock, it's a 'free' chance to make a wish. Many people text this to their friends.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'make'.
Last night, I saw a shooting star and I ____ a wish.
The sentence refers to 'last night,' so the past tense 'made' is required.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the natural English expression:
'Make a wish' is the standard collocation in English.
Fill in the missing phrase in this conversation.
A: Look, it's 11:11! B: Quick, ____!
11:11 is a common time to 'make a wish' in modern culture.
Match the action to the phrase.
When you blow out candles on a cake, you should...
Blowing out candles is the most common ritual for making a wish.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to Make a Wish
Events
- • Birthdays
- • New Year's Eve
- • Weddings
Nature
- • Shooting Stars
- • Dandelions
- • First Star
Objects
- • Fountains
- • Wishbones
- • Eyelashes
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLast night, I saw a shooting star and I ____ a wish.
The sentence refers to 'last night,' so the past tense 'made' is required.
Choose the natural English expression:
'Make a wish' is the standard collocation in English.
A: Look, it's 11:11! B: Quick, ____!
11:11 is a common time to 'make a wish' in modern culture.
When you blow out candles on a cake, you should...
Blowing out candles is the most common ritual for making a wish.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes! You can make a wish for a friend's health or a family member's success. It's considered very kind.
No, it's neutral to informal. You wouldn't use it in a legal document, but it's fine in a casual conversation.
It's a Y-shaped bone in a bird. Two people pull it, and the person with the larger piece gets to 'make a wish.'
In English, 'make' is often used for mental creations (make a plan, make a choice). A wish is something you 'create' in your mind.
It's not required, but most people do it to help them concentrate on their wish.
Usually, it's singular ('a wish') because the tradition says you only get one.
Probably not. It sounds too childish or superstitious for a professional interview.
'Wish' is a general feeling. 'Make a wish' is the specific act of doing it during a ritual.
Related Phrases
Wishful thinking
similarBelieving something is true just because you want it to be.
Grant a wish
builds onTo make someone else's wish come true.
Best wishes
similarA polite way to end a letter or say goodbye.
Wish upon a star
specialized formTo make a wish while looking at a star.
