Meaning and Usage
"希望" (xīwàng) primarily means "to hope" or "hope" as a noun. It expresses a desire or expectation for something positive to happen. It can be used as a verb to indicate hoping for an event or outcome, or as a noun to describe a person's hopes or aspirations.
Common Collocations
- 希望 + verb phrase: to hope that something will happen (e.g., 希望你能来 - hope you can come)
- 对 + something + 充满希望: to be full of hope about something (e.g., 对未来充满希望)
- 有希望: to have hope or a chance (e.g., 这次考试有希望)
Usage Notes
When used as a verb, 希望 is often followed by a clause introduced by "能", "会", or directly by a verb, expressing what the speaker wishes to happen. As a noun, it often appears with possessive structures (他的希望) or descriptive phrases.
Common Confusions
Don't confuse 希望 with 想 (to want, to think). 希望 carries a stronger sense of expectation or wish for a positive outcome, often more formal or polite than 想.
Tone and Register
Hope is generally neutral and polite, suitable for both spoken and written Chinese. It is common in everyday conversation, formal writing, and media.