Meaning

Primary

To Long For

Alternatives

To Yearn After, To Admire, To Be Attracted By

Word Type

intransitive verb, ichidan verb

Explanation

This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means long for, so the verb version is to long for and to yearn after.

Reading

あこがれる
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun'yomi reading. You learned this reading already so you should be able to read it!

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 東京に憧れる

    to yearn for Tokyo

    先輩に憧れる

    to yearn to be like a senpai

    英語ペラペラに憧れる

    to long to be fluent in English

Context Sentences

英語ペラペラ、かっこいいよね!憧れる。

Speaking English fluently is so cool! I admire it.

あの先輩に憧れているんです。

I admire that senpai.

都会生活に憧れて上京してくる若者は多い。

Many young people are attracted to the idea of city life and come to Tokyo.

Kanji Composition