望 (wàng) - to gaze into the distance & to look forward to

望Tone 4

wàng ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

望 · wàng

to gaze into the distance;

to look forward to;

to hope;

reputation;

prestige;

full moon

to gaze into the distanceto look forward toto hope

Usage highlights

HopeReputationGaze into the distanceExpectationDesirePrestige

Synonyms

  • 看— to look
  • 盼— to hope for
  • 希— to hope
  • 眺— to gaze into the distance

Antonyms

  • 近— near
  • 绝— to cut off hope
  • 弃— to abandon

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I hope to see you soon (希望).
  • We looked into the distance (眺望).
  • He has a good reputation (名望).
  • The full moon is beautiful (满月望).

Collocations

  • Hope(希望)
  • Reputation(名望)
  • Gaze into the distance(眺望)
  • Expectation(期望)
  • Desire(渴望)
  • Prestige(威望)

Idioms

  • Gazing at Mount Shu and sighing(望蜀兴叹)
  • Looking forward to your son becoming a dragon(望子成龙)
  • Looking at the ocean and sighing(望洋兴叹)
  • Looking at plum blossoms to quench thirst(望梅止渴)
  • Looking forward with eagerness(望眼欲穿)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese culture, '望' carries connotations of aspiration and lofty goals.
  • The character appears in many idioms expressing hope, expectation, and ambition.
  • In astronomy, '望' refers to the full moon day in the lunar calendar.
  • Historically used to describe prestigious families and individuals of high social standing.

FAQ