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    希望ナンバー (kibō nanbā - desired license plate number)

    Grammar & Usage

    fixed expression (noun phrase)
    neutral

    How it works

    This phrase is a compound noun, formed by combining 希望 (kibō, meaning 'hope' or 'desire') and ナンバー (nanbā, a loanword from English 'number'). It specifically refers to the system in Japan where vehicle owners can request a specific license plate number, rather than being assigned a random one. It functions grammatically as a noun.

    Sample sentences

    来月納車される車の希望ナンバーを決めました。

    I decided on the desired license plate number for the car to be delivered next month.

    希望ナンバーの抽選に当たってよかったですね。

    It's great that you won the lottery for your desired license plate number.

    特定の数字が人気の希望ナンバーです。

    Certain numbers are popular desired license plate numbers.

    Quick facts

    etymology:希望 (kibō) is a native Japanese word of Chinese origin, and ナンバー (nanbā) is a Gairaigo (loanword) from English 'number'.
    cultural_context:In Japan, certain numbers are considered lucky or unlucky, and many people choose numbers related to their birth date, anniversaries, or auspicious digits (e.g., '8' for good fortune, '777'). This system is officially called 希望番号制度 (kibō bangō seido), but 希望ナンバー (kibō nanbā) is the common colloquial term.

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    来月納車される車の希望ナンバーを決めました。

    I decided on the desired license plate number for the car to be delivered next month.

    希望ナンバーの抽選に当たってよかったですね。

    It's great that you won the lottery for your desired license plate number.

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