願う

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 願う, read ねがう, is a transitive verb meaning to wish or pray for an outcome.
• Basic usage: 健康を願っている expresses an ongoing wish; 安全を願い links a prayer for safety to an action at a shrine.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Continuing wish and linking 願い
  • The desired outcome takes を. ている sustains the wish, while the continuative 願い connects it to what follows.