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    うまくいきますように (umaku ikimasu you ni) - May it go well (more formal/prayer-like)

    Grammar & Usage

    fixed expression
    formal/polite, prayer-like/wishful

    How it works

    This phrase combines the adverb うまく (umaku, 'well, successfully'), the polite verb きます (kimasu, an honorific/polite form of iku, 'to go'), and the volitional/wish particle ように (you ni, 'so that, may it be that'). Together, it expresses a strong wish or prayer for something to proceed smoothly or successfully. The use of the polite form きます (kimasu) makes it suitable for formal contexts or when addressing deities/superiors, while the volitional ように softens the imperative nature, turning it into a hope.

    Sample sentences

    明日のプレゼンテーションがうまくいきますように。

    May tomorrow's presentation go well.

    あなたの新しい事業がうまくいきますように心から願っています。

    I sincerely hope your new business venture goes well.

    皆さんにとって良い一年になりますよう、そして全てがうまくいきますように。

    May it be a good year for everyone, and may everything go well.

    Quick facts

    nuance:The inclusion of ように adds a sense of earnest wishing or praying, often implying a hope for an outcome that is somewhat beyond one's direct control.
    politeness:The use of the polite verb ending -masu (いきます) combined with ように makes this phrase respectful and suitable for a wide range of situations, from personal hopes to formal prayers. The verb いく (iku, to go) becomes くる (kuru, to come) in its honorific/polite usage when talking about something going/coming in one's favor or to one's place, hence いきます here functions as 'it proceeds/comes about'.
    alternative:Less formal alternatives include うまくいくといいね (umaku iku to ii ne - I hope it goes well, casual) or うまくいきますようにと願っています (umaku ikimasu you ni to negatte imasu - I am wishing it goes well).

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    明日のプレゼンテーションがうまくいきますように。

    May tomorrow's presentation go well.

    あなたの新しい事業がうまくいきますように心から願っています。

    I sincerely hope your new business venture goes well.

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