This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 verb #3,000 most common 9 min read

憧れる

Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 憧れる in 30 Seconds

Explanation 憧れる in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 憧れる (akogare-ru) as a very strong version of 'I like' or 'I want to be.' Imagine you see a famous soccer player or a beautiful singer. You don't just like their music; you think, 'Wow, I want to be like them!' That feeling is akogare. For now, just remember the simple pattern: [Person] に憧れる. You can use it to talk about your heroes or your favorite characters in anime. It is a 'Level 2' verb, so to make it polite, you change it to akogare-masu. To say 'I don't admire,' you say akogare-masen. It is a very positive word. When you use it, people will understand that you have a dream or a person you look up to. Try to use it with simple nouns like 'pro-player' (puro-senshu) or 'teacher' (sensei). Even at this basic level, using this word shows you are expressing deeper feelings than just 'suki' (like).

At the A2 level, you should start using 憧れる to describe your dreams and motivations. You can use the form akogarete-imasu to show that you have felt this way for a while. For example, 'I have been longing to go to Japan' would be Nihon ni akogarete-imasu. You should also learn the noun-modifying form 憧れの (akogare no). This is very useful for talking about things you want. 'Akogare no kuruma' is 'the car of my dreams.' Notice that we use no to connect it to the noun. At this level, you can also start to distinguish it from 'suki' (like) and 'hoshii' (want). Akogare is about the ideal. You might like a cheap car, but the expensive sports car is your akogare. It’s important to remember the particle に (ni). Even if you want to say 'I admire him,' you must say 'Kare ni akogare-masu.' This is a key grammar point for A2 learners to master.

As a B1 learner, you can use 憧れる to discuss more complex topics like career paths, lifestyle choices, and cultural influences. You should understand that this verb is intransitive and describes a psychological state. You can now use it in complex sentences, such as 'Tokai no seikatsu ni akogarete, kyoukyou ni kimashita' (Longing for city life, I came to Tokyo). This shows you can link a feeling to an action. You should also be aware of the passive form 憧れられる (akogare-rareru), meaning 'to be admired by others.' For example, 'Minna ni akogarerareru hito ni naritai' (I want to become a person who is admired by everyone). This is a common goal expressed in Japanese society. You should also be able to distinguish akogare from sonkei (respect) in conversation, using akogare for emotional aspirations and sonkei for acknowledging someone's skills or character. This level is about nuance and using the word to explain why you are doing something, like studying Japanese or moving to a new city.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 憧れる in various registers and understanding its social implications. You can use it to talk about abstract concepts, like 'jiyuu ni akogare-ru' (longing for freedom). You should also recognize its use in literature and media where it might describe a sense of nostalgia or a yearning for a lost era. The distinction between akogare and related terms like shitau (to yearn for) or koishitau (to pine for) should be clear. You might encounter the phrase 'akogare o daku' (to harbor a longing), which is a more formal and literary way to express the feeling. Furthermore, you should understand how akogare plays into Japanese consumer culture—how advertisements use 'akogare no lifestyle' to sell products. You can use the verb to critique or analyze these trends. Your ability to use the word should now include its potential negative side, such as 'blind admiration' (moumoku-teki na akogare), which can lead to disappointment. This level requires you to use the word not just to express your own feelings, but to describe the feelings of others and societal trends.

At the C1 level, your understanding of 憧れる should extend to its philosophical and aesthetic dimensions in Japanese culture. You can discuss how the concept of akogare has shaped Japanese perceptions of the 'outside world' (Gaikoku) throughout history. You should be able to use the word in formal essays or academic discussions about psychology or sociology. For instance, you might analyze the difference between akogare as a catalyst for self-actualization versus its role in creating a 'gap' that leads to social anxiety. You should be familiar with literary examples where akogare is a central theme, such as in the works of Natsume Soseki or modern novelists. You can also use highly specific variations like 'akogare-no-mato' (the object of everyone's admiration). Your vocabulary should include related formal kanji compounds like 'shoukei' (a more formal reading of 憧憬, meaning yearning). At this level, you are not just using the word; you are manipulating its deep cultural connotations to express subtle, high-level ideas about human nature and society.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 憧れる and its most subtle nuances. You can effortlessly distinguish between the emotional 'longing' of akogare and the more intellectual 'idealization' found in academic discourse. You are aware of the word's etymological roots and how its usage has evolved from classical Japanese to the modern day. You can use it with precision in any context, including high-level business negotiations, literary criticism, or deep philosophical debates. You might discuss the 'pathology of akogare' in a modern digital society, where social media creates unattainable ideals. You can use the word to describe the 'ineffable'—a yearning for something that doesn't even exist in the physical world. Your usage is marked by a perfect command of particles, collocations, and the ability to use the word to evoke specific emotional responses in your audience. You understand that akogare is not just a verb, but a fundamental thread in the fabric of Japanese emotional life, and you can weave this thread into your own sophisticated communication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

憧れる in 30 Seconds

A verb meaning to admire or long for an ideal person, place, or lifestyle.
Always used with the particle 'ni' (e.g., Tanaka-san ni akogare-ru).
Implies a distance between the admirer and the object of admiration.
Commonly used in the form 'akogare no' to describe dream-like things.

The Japanese verb 憧れる (akogare-ru) is a deeply evocative term that captures the essence of human aspiration, longing, and the pursuit of an ideal. While often translated as 'to admire' or 'to long for,' its nuances in Japanese culture are profound. It describes a psychological state where an individual looks up to someone or something that possesses qualities, a lifestyle, or a status that the observer currently lacks but deeply desires. Unlike simple 'liking' (suki), akogare implies a distance—a gap between one's current self and the object of admiration. This distance is what fuels the yearning. It is frequently used when discussing role models, dream careers, or even idealized foreign countries. The word carries a sense of purity and positive motivation, suggesting that the feeling of admiration serves as a guiding star for personal growth. However, it can also contain a hint of melancholy, as the object of akogare is often perceived as something far away or potentially unattainable.

Core Essence: The act of looking toward a distant ideal with a heart full of desire and respect.
Grammatical Connection: Always paired with the particle に (ni) to indicate the target of the longing.
Cultural Nuance: In Japanese society, having an 'akogare no hito' (a person one admires) is seen as a healthy sign of ambition and emotional maturity.

子供の頃から、私は宇宙飛行士に憧れていました。(Since I was a child, I have yearned to be an astronaut.)

When you use 憧れる, you are expressing a sentiment that is more passive than 'aiming' (mezasu) but more focused than 'dreaming' (yume-miru). It is the emotional spark that precedes action. For instance, a student might feel akogare toward a prestigious university. This feeling isn't just about wanting to go there; it's about the image of the life they would lead and the person they would become within those walls. The word is intrinsically linked to the concept of 'the other'—something outside of one's current reality that shines brightly. In romantic contexts, it can describe a crush on someone who seems 'out of one's league,' emphasizing the pedestal on which the subject is placed. It is a word of light, distance, and the internal drive to bridge that distance through self-improvement or simply through the act of holding that ideal in one's heart.

Mastering the use of 憧れる requires understanding its primary grammatical structure: [Noun] に憧れる. Unlike English where we 'admire' (transitive) a person, in Japanese, the person is the destination of your feelings, hence the use of the directional particle に. This distinction is crucial for learners. You aren't acting upon the person; your heart is moving toward them. The verb is a Class 2 (Ichidan) verb, which makes its conjugations relatively straightforward: akogare-masu (polite), akogare-ta (past), akogare-te iru (continuous/state).

都会の生活に憧れて、東京に出てきました。(Longing for city life, I moved to Tokyo.)

The continuous form 憧れている (akogarete-iru) is extremely common because admiration is often a sustained state rather than a momentary action. If you have been a fan of a musician for years, you would say akogarete-iru. When modifying a noun, the form 憧れの (akogare no) is used, functioning like an adjective. For example, 'akogare no shoku' (a dream job) or 'akogare no hito' (the person of one's dreams). This 'no' construction is perhaps the most frequent way you will encounter the word in daily conversation and media.

Target: People: Used for mentors, celebrities, or seniors at work. Ex: 先輩に憧れる (I look up to my senior).
Target: Places/Lifestyles: Used for idealized environments. Ex: パリの生活に憧れる (I long for life in Paris).

彼女は私の憧れの存在です。(She is a person I truly look up to / My idol.)

Another important aspect is the level of formality. 憧れる is neutral and can be used in almost any setting. In very formal contexts, you might see koube (to look up to) or keimou, but for 95% of situations, akogare is the standard. It is also used in the passive voice—akogare-rareru—to describe someone who is admired by others. Being an 'akogare-rareru joushi' (a boss that people look up to) is a high compliment in a Japanese workplace. It implies that the person is not just competent, but also possesses a character that others wish to emulate.

You will encounter 憧れる across a vast spectrum of Japanese life, from the lyrics of J-pop songs to professional interviews. In the world of entertainment, fans use it constantly to describe their relationship with their idols. It’s not just about 'liking' the music; it’s about wanting to possess the charisma, talent, or beauty of the performer. In interviews, celebrities are often asked, 'Which actor did you akogare when you were starting out?' This question seeks to identify their influences and the 'ideal' they were chasing.

「将来は、先生のような大人に憧れています。」(I aspire to be an adult like you, teacher.)

In the corporate world, the term is used to describe career aspirations. During job interviews, a candidate might say they akogare the company's innovative culture. It shows enthusiasm and a alignment with the company's values. Furthermore, in lifestyle magazines and social media, you will see phrases like 'akogare no kitchen' or 'akogare no brand.' Here, it markets an aspirational lifestyle. It taps into the consumer's desire to elevate their daily life by acquiring something that represents a higher standard of living. It is a key word in the 'lifestyle' and 'fashion' sectors of the Japanese language.

In Anime/Manga: Protagonists often have an 'akogare' figure who motivates them to train harder or overcome obstacles.
In Education: Teachers use it to encourage students to find role models in history or literature.

Interestingly, 憧れる is also a staple in 'Uchi-Soto' (In-group/Out-group) dynamics. One might express akogare for a lifestyle that is 'soto' (outside), such as living abroad or working in a completely different industry. It highlights the boundary between one's current reality and the 'other' world. For many Japanese people, the 'West' (Oubei) has historically been an object of akogare, representing a different set of values and aesthetics. This is reflected in the high number of loanwords and the romanticized portrayal of European or American cities in Japanese media.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make is using the wrong particle. In English, 'admire' is a transitive verb: 'I admire him.' Naturally, learners want to say 'Kare o akogare-masu.' However, as mentioned previously, 憧れる is intransitive in Japanese and requires the particle に (ni). Think of it as 'having a longing toward someone.' If you use 'o', it sounds like you are physically doing something to the person of your admiration, which is confusing and grammatically incorrect.

❌ 私は彼を憧れています。
✅ 私は彼に憧れています。

Another nuance-based mistake is confusing 憧れる with 尊敬する (sonkei-suru). While both involve looking up to someone, sonkei is 'respect' or 'esteem.' You respect someone for their achievements, ethics, or skills. You can respect someone without necessarily wanting to be like them or yearning for their life. Akogare, on the other hand, is more emotional and personal. It implies you want to close the gap between you and them. You can sonkei your grandfather for his hard work, but you might akogare a rock star's lifestyle.

Mistake: Overusing it for small things: Don't use it for a sandwich you want to eat. Use 'tabetai' or 'hoshii'. Akogare is for bigger ideals.
Mistake: Confusing with 'Aisuru': Akogare is admiration from a distance. Love (aisuru) is an intimate, mutual connection. They are different stages of emotion.

A third mistake involves the past tense. If you say 'Akogare-ta,' it often implies that the feeling has ended—perhaps you met your hero and were disappointed, or you achieved the goal and the longing is gone. If you still feel the admiration, you must use 'akogarete-iru' or 'akogarete-imasu.' Japanese is very specific about the 'state' of an emotion. Lastly, be careful not to use it in a way that sounds envious in a negative way (netamu). Akogare is almost always positive; it’s the 'good' kind of jealousy where you want to improve yourself, not bring the other person down.

To truly sound like a native, you should know the alternatives to 憧れる and when to switch them. The most common 'sibling' word is 尊敬する (sonkei-suru). As discussed, this is 'respect.' It is more intellectual and less 'dreamy' than akogare. If you are writing a formal recommendation for a colleague, sonkei is much more appropriate than akogare, which might sound too emotional or unprofessional.

崇拝する (suuhai-suru): To worship or idolize. This is much stronger than akogare and can have religious or obsessive overtones.
慕う (shitau): To yearn for, to follow, or to adore. This word often implies a closer, more affectionate bond, like a student following a beloved teacher.
恋い慕う (koishitau): To pine for someone romantically. This combines 'love' and 'yearning'.

Another interesting alternative is 目指す (mezasu), which means 'to aim for.' While akogare is the feeling, mezasu is the action. A student might say, 'I akogare (admire) the life of a doctor, so I am mezasu (aiming) to get into medical school.' Using these together creates a very clear picture of motivation and intent. There is also 羨ましい (urayamashii), which means 'envious' or 'jealous.' Unlike the English 'jealous,' it is often used positively in Japan ('I'm so jealous of your vacation!'). However, it focuses on the *possession* or *situation* rather than the *person* or *ideal*.

Comparison:
1. ピアニストに憧れる (I yearn to be a pianist - Dreamy)
2. ピアニストを尊敬する (I respect pianists - Professional)
3. ピアニストを目指す (I am aiming to be a pianist - Active)

Finally, consider the word 心酔する (shinsui-suru). This means to be fascinated by or to be 'drunk' on someone's talent. It is a very high level of admiration, often used for artists or philosophers. Choosing the right word depends on the 'distance' and 'intensity' of your feeling. Akogare remains the most versatile and 'human' of these choices, capturing that universal feeling of looking at the stars and wanting to reach them.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The original meaning 'to wander' eventually shifted to 'one's heart wandering toward something beautiful,' which became the modern meaning of admiration.

Pronunciation Guide

UK a.ko.ɡa.ɾe.ɾɯ

US a.ko.ɡa.ɾe.ɾɯ

Flat (Heiban) pitch accent. The pitch stays relatively level after the first syllable.

Rhymes With

Wasureru (forget) Arawareru (appear) Umareru (be born) Kowareru (break) Tazuneru (visit) Nagareru (flow) Yureru (shake) Hareru (clear up)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 're' like the English 'ray'. It should be a short 'e' like in 'met'.
Stress-timing the word. Japanese is mora-timed; each syllable gets equal time.
Making the 'g' too hard. In some dialects, it's slightly nasalized.
Elongating the final 'u'. It should be very short, almost silent in some contexts.
Confusing the pitch accent with English stress.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji 憧 is slightly complex but common in literature.

Writing 4/5

Writing the kanji 憧 requires attention to the 'heart' radical and the right-side strokes.

Speaking 2/5

The pronunciation is easy, but remembering the 'ni' particle is the main challenge.

Listening 2/5

Very easy to recognize in songs and dramas.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

好き (suki) 尊敬 (sonkei) 夢 (yume) 人 (hito) なりたい (naritai)

Learn Next

目指す (mezasu) 目標 (mokuhyou) 努力 (doryoku) 達成 (tassei) 幻滅 (genmetsu)

Advanced

憧憬 (shoukei) 心酔 (shinsui) 傾倒 (keitou) 渇望 (katsubou) 垂涎 (suizen)

Grammar to Know

Intransitive Verbs with Particle 'Ni'

彼に憧れる (Admire him)

Noun Modifying with 'No'

憧れの人 (The person I admire)

Te-form for Reason

都会に憧れて東京に来た (Moved to Tokyo because I longed for the city)

Passive Potential 'Rareru'

憧れられる存在 (A person who can be/is admired)

Continuous State 'Te-iru'

ずっと憧れている (Have been admiring for a long time)

Examples by Level

私はプロの選手に憧れます。

I admire professional players.

Uses 'ni' to show the object of admiration.

田中さんは私の憧れです。

Tanaka-san is my idol (the one I look up to).

Here 'akogare' is used as a noun.

きれいなドレスに憧れました。

I longed for a beautiful dress.

Past tense 'akogare-mashita'.

ヒーローに憧れていますか？

Do you look up to heroes?

Question form using 'te-imasu'.

パイロットに憧れる子供は多いです。

There are many children who yearn to be pilots.

Modifying 'kodomo' (children).

彼女の歌に憧れます。

I admire her singing.

Admiring a specific skill/attribute.

私はお姉ちゃんに憧れています。

I look up to my older sister.

Continuous state of admiration.

誰もがスターに憧れます。

Everyone longs to be a star.

'Daremo ga' means everyone.

いつか、憧れの人に会いたいです。

Someday, I want to meet the person I admire.

Uses 'akogare no hito' as a set phrase.

都会の生活に憧れて、東京に来ました。

Longing for city life, I came to Tokyo.

Te-form used to show reason/cause.

これは私の憧れのカメラです。

This is the camera of my dreams.

Noun + no + noun construction.

留学生活に憧れています。

I am longing for life as an exchange student.

Continuous state of longing.

有名な作家に憧れて、小説を書き始めました。

Admiring a famous author, I started writing novels.

Shows the motivation for an action.

彼はみんなに憧れられています。

He is admired by everyone.

Passive form 'akogare-rarete-imasu'.

憧れの仕事に就くのは難しいです。

It is difficult to get your dream job.

Using 'akogare no' to mean 'dream/ideal'.

彼女のファッションに憧れる女の子は多い。

Many girls admire her fashion.

Short form used in a general statement.

自由な生き方に憧れて、会社を辞めました。

Longing for a free lifestyle, I quit my job.

Expressing a major life decision based on 'akogare'.

子供の頃に憧れたヒーローは今でも私の支えです。

The hero I admired as a child is still my support today.

Relative clause: 'kodomo no koro ni akogareta hero'.

彼は、私が最も憧れているビジネスマンだ。

He is the businessman I admire the most.

Using 'motto-mo' (most) to intensify.

憧れだけで終わらせたくない、絶対にプロになる。

I don't want it to end with just longing; I will definitely become a pro.

Contrast between feeling (akogare) and action.

海外での生活に憧れる気持ちは分かります。

I understand the feeling of longing for life abroad.

Using 'kimochi' (feeling) as the object of 'wakaru'.

先輩の仕事ぶりに憧れて、毎日遅くまで練習しています。

Admiring my senior's way of working, I practice until late every day.

Shows 'akogare' as a catalyst for hard work.

憧れの場所へ旅行に行くために、貯金をしています。

I am saving money to travel to my dream location.

Purpose clause: 'tame ni'.

彼女は、全女性が憧れるような存在だ。

She is the kind of person that all women look up to.

Noun + 'you na sonzai' (an existence like...).

単なる憧れではなく、現実的な目標として捉えています。

It's not just a simple longing; I view it as a realistic goal.

Contrasting 'akogare' with 'genjitsu-teki na mokuhyou'.

彼は憧れのスターに一歩でも近づこうと努力を重ねた。

He made repeated efforts to get even one step closer to the star he admired.

Volitional form 'chikazukou to' showing intent.

映画のようなロマンチックな恋に憧れるのは、若さゆえだろうか。

Is it because of youth that one yearns for a romantic love like in the movies?

Using 'yue' (because of) in a reflective question.

多くの人が憧れるブランド品も、手に入れてしまえば日常になる。

Even brand-name goods that many people long for become mundane once you possess them.

Reflecting on the nature of desire.

彼女の凛とした姿に、多くの後輩が憧れを抱いている。

Many juniors harbor a sense of admiration for her dignified appearance.

Formal phrase 'akogare o daku' (to harbor admiration).

憧れていた世界に入ってみて、初めてその厳しさを知った。

Having entered the world I longed for, I realized its harshness for the first time.

Te-form followed by 'hajimete' (for the first time).

西洋文化への憧れが、日本の近代化を推し進めた一因と言える。

It can be said that the longing for Western culture was one factor that drove Japan's modernization.

Using 'akogare' in a historical/sociological context.

憧れの対象が身近になりすぎると、幻滅することもある。

When the object of your admiration becomes too familiar, you may sometimes feel disillusioned.

Warning about the gap between ideal and reality.

彼は、私にとって精神的な支柱であり、永遠の憧れです。

To me, he is a spiritual pillar and an eternal object of admiration.

Using 'eien no' (eternal) for emphasis.

大正ロマンに憧憬の念を抱く若者が増えているという。

It is said that the number of young people who feel a sense of yearning for Taisho Roman is increasing.

Uses formal 'shoukei' (憧憬) and 'nen o idaku'.

憧れは、時に現状への不満を映し出す鏡のような役割を果たす。

Admiration sometimes plays the role of a mirror that reflects dissatisfaction with the current situation.

Metaphorical use of 'kagami' (mirror).

その詩人は、失われた故郷への果てしない憧れを歌い続けた。

The poet continued to sing of an endless longing for his lost hometown.

Literary context: 'hateshinai' (endless).

都会への盲目的な憧れが、地方の過疎化を加速させている側面もある。

There is also an aspect where blind longing for the city is accelerating the depopulation of rural areas.

Sociopolitical analysis using 'moumoku-teki' (blind).

彼女の生き方は、既存の価値観に縛られない自由への憧れを体現している。

Her way of life embodies a yearning for freedom that is not bound by existing values.

Using 'taigen suru' (to embody).

憧れの眼差しを向けられることに、彼は次第に重圧を感じ始めた。

He gradually began to feel pressure from being the target of admiring gazes.

Passive construction 'akogare no manazashi o mukerareru'.

知識への純粋な憧れこそが、学問の出発点であるべきだ。

A pure yearning for knowledge itself should be the starting point of scholarship.

Emphatic 'koso' used for the subject.

自己と他者の境界が曖昧になるほど、その対象に強く憧れる心理状態を分析する。

Analyze the psychological state of strongly longing for an object to the point where the boundary between self and other becomes blurred.

Academic psychological description.

古典文学における「あこがれ」の変遷を辿ると、日本人の美意識の深層が見えてくる。

By tracing the evolution of 'akogare' in classical literature, the depths of the Japanese aesthetic sense become visible.

Historical linguistic analysis.

到達不可能な理想に対する憧憬こそが、芸術家を創作へと駆り立てる根源的な力である。

A yearning for an unattainable ideal is the fundamental force that drives artists to create.

Philosophical statement on creativity.

彼は、大衆の憧れを一身に背負いながら、孤独な戦いを続けていた。

While bearing the admiration of the masses on his shoulders, he continued his lonely battle.

Idiomatic 'isshin ni seou' (bearing on one's shoulders).

憧れが崇拝へと変質する時、そこには危うい狂気が宿り始める。

When admiration transforms into worship, a dangerous madness begins to dwell there.

Nuanced analysis of emotional escalation.

その建築家は、自然と人工物の調和という、究極の憧れを形にした。

That architect gave form to his ultimate ideal: the harmony between nature and man-made objects.

Describing the realization of an 'akogare'.

かつての憧れを懐かしむだけでなく、それを新たな創造の糧とすべきだ。

One should not just feel nostalgic for past longings but should use them as fuel for new creation.

Using 'kate' (food/fuel/sustenance) metaphorically.

憧れのパラドックスは、手に入れた瞬間にその輝きを失うことにあるのかもしれない。

The paradox of longing may lie in the fact that it loses its brilliance the moment it is obtained.

Philosophical paradox structure.

Common Collocations

都会に憧れる

スターに憧れる

憧れの眼差し

憧れを抱く

憧れの存在

憧れの的

強く憧れる

密かに憧れる

憧れの人

憧れのブランド

Common Phrases

憧れちゃうな

— I can't help but admire that! (Informal)

あんな風に弾けたら、憧れちゃうな。

憧れの生活

— A dream life or idealized lifestyle.

憧れの生活を手に入れる。

憧れを形にする

— To make one's dreams or ideals a reality.

彼は憧れを形にするために努力した。

憧れを捨てる

— To give up on a dream or ideal.

現実を見て、憧れを捨てた。

憧れが強い

— To have a strong sense of longing.

都会への憧れが強い。

憧れに近づく

— To get closer to one's ideal.

一歩ずつ憧れに近づいている。

憧れのまなざし

— An admiring look/gaze.

憧れのまなざしを向ける。

憧れを追う

— To chase one's dreams/ideals.

彼は今も憧れを追っている。

憧れの職業

— A dream profession.

ユーチューバーは子供の憧れの職業だ。

憧れを裏切る

— To betray someone's admiration (disappoint them).

ファンの憧れを裏切る行為。

Often Confused With

憧れる vs 尊敬する (sonkei-suru)

Sonkei is about respect for qualities; Akogare is about wanting to be like someone.

憧れる vs 羨ましい (urayamashii)

Urayamashii is 'envious' of a situation; Akogare is 'admiring' an ideal.

憧れる vs 大好き (daisuki)

Daisuki is simply liking something a lot; Akogare involves an aspirational gap.

Idioms & Expressions

"高嶺の花"

— Something or someone out of one's reach (often the object of akogare).

彼女は僕にとって高嶺の花だ。

Neutral

"雲の上の存在"

— Someone in a much higher position (lit. above the clouds).

社長は私には雲の上の存在です。

Neutral

"手に届かない"

— Out of reach; unattainable.

憧れの車はまだ手に届かない。

Neutral

"目を輝かせる"

— To have one's eyes sparkle (often when looking at something one admires).

子供は飛行機を見て目を輝かせた。

Neutral

"胸を躍らせる"

— To have one's heart throb with excitement/anticipation.

憧れの地への旅行に胸を躍らせる。

Neutral

"夢に見る"

— To dream of something (often used for objects of akogare).

憧れの舞台に立つことを夢に見る。

Neutral

"背中を追う"

— To follow in someone's footsteps (chase their back).

先輩の背中を追って頑張ります。

Neutral

"一目置く"

— To recognize someone's superiority; to give them credit.

誰もが彼の才能に一目置いている。

Formal

"心奪われる"

— To have one's heart stolen (be fascinated by).

その美しい景色に心奪われた。

Literary

"白羽の矢が立つ"

— To be chosen (often for a role people admire).

彼に白羽の矢が立った。

Formal

Easily Confused

憧れる vs 目指す

Both involve goals.

Mezasu is the active pursuit; Akogare is the emotional feeling.

プロに憧れて、プロを目指す。

憧れる vs 慕う

Both involve looking up to someone.

Shitau implies affection and following; Akogare is more about the ideal.

恩師を慕う。

憧れる vs 恋する

Both are strong feelings toward a person.

Koisuru is romantic love; Akogare is admiration (can be romantic or not).

アイドルに憧れるが、恋はしていない。

憧れる vs 崇拝する

Both are high levels of admiration.

Suuhai is worship/idolization (stronger/obsessive); Akogare is healthier yearning.

独裁者を崇拝する。

憧れる vs 心酔する

Both involve being impressed.

Shinsui is specifically being fascinated by talent or art.

彼のピアノに心酔する。

Sentence Patterns

私は [Noun] に憧れます。

私はスターに憧れます。

これは [Noun] の憧れの [Noun] です。

これは私の憧れの車です。

[Noun] に憧れて、[Action]。

日本に憧れて、日本語を勉強しています。

[Person] は私の憧れの存在です。

先生は私の憧れの存在です。

[Noun] に憧れを抱く。

自由な生活に憧れを抱く。

[Person] はみんなに憧れられている。

彼はみんなに憧れられている。

[Noun] への憧憬の念を禁じ得ない。

彼の才能への憧憬の念を禁じ得ない。

憧れのパラドックスは [Clause] ことにある。

憧れのパラドックスは手に入れた瞬間に消えることにある。

Word Family

Nouns

憧れ (akogare) Longing, admiration, yearning.

憧憬 (shoukei) Formal/Literary yearning.

Verbs

憧れる (akogare-ru) To long for (Intransitive).

憧れさせる (akogare-saseru) To make someone admire (Causative).

尊敬 (sonkei - respect)

理想 (risou - ideal)

夢 (yume - dream)

目標 (mokuhyou - goal)

ファン (fan - fan)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily life, media, and literature.

Common Mistakes

彼を憧れる → 彼に憧れる
Akogare-ru is an intransitive verb and requires the particle 'ni'.
憧れた！ (for a current feeling) → 憧れる！ / 憧れちゃう！
Past tense means the feeling is over. Use present or continuous for current feelings.
Using it for food/small items. → 美味しそう！ (Looks tasty!)
Akogare is for big ideals, not immediate physical desires.
Confusing with 'sonkei' in business. → 尊敬しています
Akogare can sound too emotional or 'fan-like' in a professional setting.
Misspelling the kanji 憧. → 憧
Don't forget the heart radical on the left.

Tips

The 'Ni' Particle

Always remember: [Object] に憧れる. Using 'wo' is the most common mistake for English speakers.

Continuous State

Use 'akogarete-imasu' for a feeling you've had for a while. 'Akogare-masu' is more like a general statement.

Dream Adjective

Use 'akogare no' like an adjective to describe things you dream of, like 'akogare no ie' (dream house).

Giving Compliments

Telling a senior 'Akogarete-imasu' is a very high compliment in Japan.

Role Models

Japanese culture values having a model to follow. 'Akogare' is the fuel for this process.

Respect vs Admiration

Don't confuse 'akogare' with 'sonkei'. Use 'sonkei' for professional respect.

Kanji Radical

The kanji 憧 has the 'heart' radical (忄) on the left, showing it's an emotion.

Song Lyrics

Listen for 'akogare' in J-pop; it's one of the most common words in emotional songs.

Enthusiasm

When you say 'akogare-masu', say it with a bit of a dream-like tone to sound authentic.

Formal Contexts

In formal writing, try using '憧憬 (shoukei)' to show a higher level of vocabulary.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'A-KO-GA-RE'. 'A' (Ah!) 'KO' (Cool!) 'GA' (Guy/Girl) 'RE' (Really!). You say 'Ah, cool guy/girl, really!' when you admire someone.

Visual Association

Imagine looking at a bright star (the ideal) from a dark field (your current self). The light reaching you is the 'akogare'.

Word Web

Star Dream Role Model Distance Ideal Motivation Heart Yearning

Challenge

Try to identify one person you 'akogare' and write three reasons why using the 'ni' particle.

Word Origin

Derived from the ancient Japanese word 'akugaru'. Originally, it meant for one's soul (aku) to leave the body (karu) due to intense emotion or distraction.

Original meaning: To wander, to be restless, or for one's spirit to depart from the body.

Japonic (Yamato Kotoba).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to sound like you are just copying someone; emphasize that they are an 'ideal' that inspires you.

In English, 'admire' can be quite formal. In Japanese, 'akogare' is used very broadly from kids to adults.

The song 'Akogare no Hawaii Kouro' (The Yearned-for Hawaii Route), a post-war hit. Numerous anime series where the protagonist joins a club because of an 'akogare' senior. The concept of 'Akogare' in Takarazuka Revue fans.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Career Talk

憧れの職業
先輩に憧れる
プロの世界に憧れる
成功者に憧れる

Travel/Lifestyle

都会に憧れる
海外生活に憧れる
憧れの地
田舎暮らしに憧れる

Romance

憧れの人
遠くから憧れる
憧れの先輩
憧れの存在

Hobbies

スターに憧れる
ギタリストに憧れる
憧れのブランド
作品に憧れる

Self-Reflection

憧れを抱く
憧れを追う
憧れが変わる
憧れを形にする

Conversation Starters

"子供の頃、何に憧れていましたか？ (What did you long for when you were a child?)"

"あなたが一番憧れている人は誰ですか？ (Who is the person you admire the most?)"

"憧れの生活はどんなものですか？ (What is your dream lifestyle like?)"

"憧れの人に会えるとしたら、何を話したいですか？ (If you could meet the person you admire, what would you want to talk about?)"

"日本文化の中で、特に憧れている部分はありますか？ (Is there a part of Japanese culture you particularly admire?)"

Journal Prompts

私が「憧れの人」について書きたい理由は... (The reason I want to write about my 'admired person' is...)

いつか憧れの場所へ行けたら、私は... (If I can go to my dream place someday, I will...)

子供の頃の憧れと、今の目標の違いについて。 (About the difference between my childhood longings and my current goals.)

「憧れ」が私に与えてくれるモチベーションについて。 (About the motivation that 'akogare' gives me.)

もし自分が誰かの「憧れの存在」になったら。 (If I were to become someone's object of admiration.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually no. 'Akogare' is for bigger ideals like a lifestyle or a person's character. For food, use 'tabetai' or 'hoshii'.

'Sonkei' is respect you give someone for their hard work or character. 'Akogare' is the feeling of wanting to be like them.

Yes, it is almost always positive. It's the 'good' kind of longing that motivates you.

Yes! 'Tokai ni akogare-ru' (longing for the city) is a very common phrase.

You can say 'Akogarete-imasu' or 'Zutto akogarete-imashita' (I've always admired you).

It's a bit complex (14 strokes), but it's very common, so it's worth learning.

No. It specifically implies a gap between your current state and the ideal.

It means 'the person I look up to' or 'my idol/hero'.

Yes, to describe companies you want to work for or leaders you want to emulate.

Common opposites are 'ken'o' (loathing) or 'mikudasu' (looking down on).