Usage of 望
The character 望 (wàng) primarily means 'to hope' or 'to expect,' often expressing a desire for a positive outcome. It can also mean 'to look at' or 'to gaze into the distance,' which is a more literal, physical sense.
Common Collocations
- 望着 (wàngzhe): to look at, to gaze
- 望子成龙 (wàng zǐ chéng lóng): a common idiom meaning 'to hope one's son will become successful'
- 望你 (wàng nǐ): I hope you...
Notes
When used to express hope or expectation, 望 often appears in formal or written contexts rather than casual speech, where 希望 (xīwàng) is more common. The literal sense of looking or gazing is often accompanied by directional complements like 远方 (yuǎnfāng, distance).
Avoid confusing 望 with 忘 (wàng, to forget), which has a similar pronunciation but different meaning and character.