希望 (xīwàng) — to hope, hope

希望 (xīwàng)

Expresses a desire for something desirable but uncertain, similar to "I hope that..." Key contrast: 希望 is used for things you hope may happen (uncertain outcome), while 想 expresses wanting something or missing someone.

Meanings

1. [verb] To hope (that something will happen).
2. [noun] Hope, aspiration.

Example Sentences

我希望你一切都好。 Wǒ xīwàng nǐ yīqiè dōu hǎo. I hope everything is going well for you.

她希望明年去中国留学。 Tā xīwàng míngnián qù Zhōngguó liúxué. She hopes to study abroad in China next year.

只要努力，就有希望。 Zhǐyào nǔlì, jiù yǒu xīwàng. As long as you work hard, there is hope.

他希望这次考试能通过。 Tā xīwàng zhè cì kǎoshì néng tōngguò. He hopes he can pass this exam.

Collocations

Memory Hook

希 suggests rarity and 望 means to gaze toward: hoping is gazing at something rare and distant, wishing it would come.