願

Phono-semantic compound:

頁 (head, mind, thought) — semantic, indicating the mind or mental intention.

原 (plain, source, yuan) — phonetic, providing the sound.

Thus, the character originally depicted a thought arising in one’s heart, conveying the idea of sincere intention or heartfelt desire.

願望 (원망) — a wish, aspiration

祈願 (기원) — to pray or make a vow

悲願 (비원) — a noble vow; compassionate wish (esp. Buddhist)

宿願 (숙원) — a long-held wish or aspiration

自願 (자원) — voluntary, of one’s own accord

In Buddhist texts, 願 often conveys a deep spiritual vow, as in 發願 (“to make a vow”) and 大願 (“great vow”) — the sincere intention to save all beings.

In East Asian philosophy and religion, 願 represents more than a personal wish — it implies a vow aligned with virtue and compassion.

In Mahāyāna Buddhism, the Four Great Vows (四弘誓願) express the ultimate altruistic will to help all sentient beings.

In Confucian contexts, 願 embodies the moral will to act according to one’s ideals.