A desire, wish, or hope — something one strongly wants or aspires to.
彼女の願いは世界中を旅することだ。
Her wish is to travel around the world.
子どもの頃の願いを今でも覚えている。
I still remember a wish I had as a child.
その願いが叶うかどうかは分からない。
I don't know whether that wish will come true.
A request, entreaty, or plea — asking someone to do something.
彼は上司に昇給を願い出た。
He asked his boss for a raise.
被災地の人々は支援を願っている。
People in the disaster area are pleading for assistance.
小さな願いでも助けてくれる人がいると安心だ。
It's reassuring when someone helps even with a small request.
A prayer — an appeal or wish directed to a deity or spiritual power.
寺で事故の犠牲者のために願いを捧げた。
At the temple I offered a prayer for the victims of the accident.
受験を控え、合格を願う気持ちで勉強した。
With exams approaching, I studied with the hope/prayer of passing.
毎晩、家族の無事を願って手を合わせる。
Every night I put my hands together and pray for my family's safety.
Used in writing to mean an application (e.g., as a suffix). Often written as 願 when attached to other words.
大学の願書を締切までに提出した。
I submitted the university application by the deadline.
奨学金に出願するために必要な願を準備した。
I prepared the application (願) needed to apply for the scholarship.