Usage of 期待
The verb 期待 (qī dài) primarily means "to look forward to" or "to expect." It is used when someone eagerly anticipates a future event or outcome.
Nuances and Context
When you say 期待, it often implies positive anticipation or hope. For example, you might say 我很期待 (I am really looking forward to) to express excitement about something upcoming. It can also be used in a more formal or serious tone to express expectations, such as in work or study contexts.
Common Collocations
- 期待 + event (e.g., 期待演唱会) — looking forward to an event
- 充满期待 (chōngmǎn qīdài) — full of expectation
- 期待 + person + 能 + verb — expecting someone to do something
Register and Tone
期待 is neutral and can be used in both spoken and written Chinese. It is polite and appropriate in formal contexts, such as business or academic settings.
Common Confusion
Don't confuse 期待 with 希望 (xīwàng), which also means "to hope" or "to wish." 期待 often carries a stronger sense of anticipation and is more about looking forward to something specific, while 希望 can be more general or abstract.