希望 — meaning in English: hope

xīwàng · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for hope

毁灭

huǐmiè

水果

shuǐguǒ

灵活性

línghuó xìng

希望

xīwàng

军队

jūnduì

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Mandarin Chinese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use 希望 (xīwàng) in conversations about their dreams and aspirations, such as expressing hopes for the future during personal discussions or in motivational speeches. For instance, someone might say, '我希望我能找到一个好工作' (I hope I can find a good job) when discussing their career goals.

Synonyms & nuances

While 希望 (xīwàng) means 'hope,' a similar word, 期待 (qīdài), translates to 'expectation' or 'anticipation.' The nuance lies in the emotional weight; 希望 conveys a heartfelt desire, while 期待 suggests a more certain or anticipated outcome, making 希望 the go-to choice for expressing a more personal yearning.

Culture

The character 希望 (xīwàng) combines 希, meaning 'to hope,' and 望, which translates to 'to look up' or 'to gaze.' This reflects the optimistic cultural view in China, where hope is often linked to perseverance and resilience. Historically, the concept of hope has been significant in Chinese literature and philosophy, often associated with positive outcomes in challenging situations.

FAQ

Q.What is the meaning of 希望 in English?

希望 (xīwàng) translates to 'hope' in English, representing a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.

Q.How do I use 希望 in a sentence?

You can use 希望 (xīwàng) to express desires or wishes, such as in '我希望你快乐' (I hope you are happy). It’s commonly used in everyday conversation.

Q.Are there any common mistakes using 希望?

A common mistake is confusing 希望 (xīwàng) with 期待 (qīdài). While both express a desire for something, remember that 希望 is more about heartfelt wishes, while 期待 leans towards expectations.

Learn mandarin chinese with Maspeak →

Chinese (Mandarin) 2000