WORD DETAIL
抱負
ほうふ
Examples
Included kanji
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure:
抱負(ほうふ) is a noun for a stated ambition and resolve concerning what one intends to accomplish. - Basic usage:
今後の抱負を語るmakes a new employee’s stated aspirations the object of a speech, while今年の抱負を書くrecords goals for the year in a notebook.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Time span supplied by the modifier
今後の抱負concerns direction after joining a company, while今年の抱負is limited to the current year. The term includes resolve to act, not only a vague wish.

