Fain Meaning in English

word

US

UK

Definition

(Archaic or literary) Willing; gladly, or with pleasure. Used to express readiness or desire to do something.

Usage & Nuances

'Fain' is rare in modern English—mostly found in poetry, historical texts, or archaic dialogue. If used today, it sounds old-fashioned or formal. Typically appears as 'would fain', meaning 'would gladly'. Avoid in everyday conversation.

• Spanish: gustoso - con ganas (arcaico)
• Portuguese (BR): de bom grado - disposto (arcaico)
• Portuguese (PT): de bom grado - disposto (arcaico)
• Chinese (Simplified): 乐意（古语） - 愿意（古语）
• Chinese (Traditional): 樂意（古語） - 願意（古語）
• Hindi: आनंदपूर्वक (पुराना/काव्यात्मक) - खुशी से (पुराना)
• Arabic: طَوْعاً - بارتياح (قديم/شعري)
• Bengali: অনিচ্ছাসত্ত্বেও সম্মত - খুশি মনে
• Russian: охотно - с радостью (устар.)
• Japanese: 喜んで (文学的) - 進んで (古語的)
• Vietnamese: sẵn lòng (văn chương) - vui vẻ (cổ)
• Korean: 기꺼이 (문학적 표현)
• Turkish: memnuniyetle (edebi) - isteyerek (eski kullanım)
• Urdu: خوشی سے (ادبی) - آمادہ (قدیم)
• Indonesian: dengan senang hati (puitis) - rela (lama)

Example Sentences

I would fain help you if I could.

basic

She was fain to accept the invitation.

basic

He was fain to leave the room quietly.

basic

In old stories, heroes are often fain to face great danger.

natural

She would fain see her homeland again, but it was not possible.

natural

If you ask me, I would fain stay here a little longer.

natural