noun HSK 4
Traditional 願望
yuàn wàng
wish · desire · aspiration

Meaning

愿望 refers to something you hope for or desire to happen or achieve. It can range from simple everyday wishes to profound life aspirations. The word carries a sense of longing or intention toward a future state or outcome.

Usage

Commonly used in both spoken and written contexts to express personal hopes, dreams, or goals. Often appears in phrases like 实现愿望 (to fulfill a wish) or 美好的愿望 (a beautiful wish). It's neutral in register and appropriate for both casual and formal situations.

Examples

  1. 01
    我最大的愿望就是环游世界。
    zuì de yuàn wàng jiù shì huán yóu shì jiè.
    My greatest wish is to travel around the world.
  2. 02
    希望你的愿望能够实现。
    wàng de yuàn wàng néng gòu shí xiàn.
    I hope your wish can be realized.

Characters

Measure words

  • 一个愿望

Common collocations

  • 实现愿望
    shí xiàn yuàn wàng
    to realize/fulfill a wish
  • 美好的愿望
    měi hǎo de yuàn wàng
    a beautiful wish
  • 愿望
    yuàn wàng
    to make a wish
  • 愿望成真
    yuàn wàng chéng zhēn
    wish comes true

Antonyms

Origin

Both characters relate to desire and expectation. 愿 originally meant 'to be willing' or 'sincere intention,' while 望 meant 'to gaze into the distance' or 'to hope.' Together they form a compound emphasizing heartfelt hopes.

Related