Meaning
憧憬 expresses a hopeful longing or yearning for something desirable in the future, often something beautiful, idealistic, or better than one's current situation. It carries a romantic, aspirational quality and is more literary than everyday speech. The word suggests not just wanting something, but having a vivid mental picture or dream of it.
Usage
Commonly used in written Chinese, formal speeches, and reflective contexts when discussing dreams, aspirations, or idealized futures. It typically takes abstract objects like 未来 (future), 生活 (life), or 美好 (beauty). Less common in casual daily conversation where simpler words like 希望 or 想 are preferred.
Examples
- 01年轻人对未来充满了憧憬。.Young people are filled with aspirations for the future.
- 02她一直憧憬着能去巴黎学习艺术。.She has always yearned to go to Paris to study art.
Characters
Common collocations
- 憧憬未来to yearn for the future
- 对...充满憧憬...to be filled with longing for...
- 美好的憧憬beautiful aspirations
- 憧憬着longing for; yearning for
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters contain the heart radical 心, indicating emotional or mental states. 憧 originally suggested wavering or uncertain movement, while 憬 related to awakening or enlightenment. Together they evolved to mean a心中向往的美好想象 - a beautiful vision one holds in their heart.