wish
Native recording
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- 1 wish、desire、longing
This noun refers to a deep wish, desire, or longing that someone holds in their heart. It sounds more serious and formal than a casual “want to.”
wish、desire、longing
A strong inner wish or desire, often about goals, ideals, love, success, or something personally meaningful.
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Learning notes
Explanation
ความปรารถนา is an abstract noun formed from ปรารถนา, “to wish for” or “to desire.” It refers to the feeling of wishing or longing for something. It is more formal and weighty than everyday expressions for wanting something, and it fits topics such as life goals, ideals, love, success, peace, or happiness. Common patterns include ความปรารถนาของ... “someone’s wish,” มีความปรารถนาที่จะ... “to have a desire to...,” and ความปรารถนาใน... “a desire for...”
Usage
It is often used in writing, speeches, thoughtful self-introductions, psychological descriptions, and conversations about dreams, goals, love, success, or ideals. In casual speech it is possible, but it sounds like a serious or meaningful wish rather than a light want.
Caution
For casual wants like wanting coffee or wanting to go out, อยาก is usually more natural. Using ความปรารถนา in those situations can sound overly formal or dramatic.
Differences from similar words
1 wish synonyms
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ความต้องการ can mean a need, requirement, or demand, and is common in practical contexts. ความปรารถนา is more internal, emotional, and often more abstract.
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ความหวัง means “hope,” focusing on expecting a good outcome. ความปรารถนา focuses more on the person’s deep wish or desire itself.