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休想 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
休想xiūxiǎngdon't think (that)HSK 7, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #6666, Very Hard
休想xiūxiǎngdon't imagine (that)HSK 7, unknown, 19 strokes, rank #6666, Very Hard
xiūxiǎng(xiu1xiang3)xiu xiang T1
  1. 1don't think (that)
  2. 2don't imagine (that)
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March 24, 2026

休想xiūxiǎng(xiu1xiang3)

休想 is a colloquial expression used to indicate that something is impossible or that one should not get their hopes up about a certain outcome. It often conveys a sense of disbelief or rejection, typically in response to an unrealistic idea or suggestion.

Strokes19Frequency#6666DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, expressing disbelief or discouraging unrealistic expectations is often done directly but can also include an element of humor. The phrase reflects a pragmatic approach to life and interactions, where honesty is valued.

Memory tip

Think of 休 (xiū) as 'resting', which can also mean 'to stop', and 想 (xiǎng) as 'to think'. Together, 休想 suggests 'stop thinking about it' or 'don't even imagine it', like telling someone to take a break from their unrealistic thoughts.

Meanings of 休想

xiūxiǎng(xiu1xiang3)
1don't think (that)
2don't imagine (that)
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About 休想

休想Simplified
19Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 休想

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AI study notes for 休想

Usage Notes

This phrase is generally informal and may come off as dismissive in more formal contexts. Be mindful of tone; using it in a light-hearted manner is acceptable, but it could be perceived as rude if said sternly. Common collocations include '休想我会...' (Don't think that I will...).

HSK Study Tips

While 休想 is not found in the HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it can enhance conversational skills at HSK 3-4 levels, where expressing opinions and emotions becomes more relevant. Focus on similar phrases that express disbelief or rejection.

Common Mistakes

Learners might confuse 休想 with just 想 (xiǎng) and use it incorrectly, saying things like '我休想去' (I stop thinking about going) instead of the correct '我休想去!' (Don't think I'm going!). Be sure to use it in contexts where you want to dismiss a suggestion.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 休想

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Component characters

休Xiūto rest
HSK 26 strokes亻
View full entry
想xiǎngto think
HSK 113 strokes心
View full entry

How to say don't think (that) in Chinese

“don't think (that)” in Chinese is休想xiūxiǎng

休想 is a colloquial expression used to indicate that something is impossible or that one should not get their hopes up about a certain outcome. It often conveys a sense of disbelief or rejection, typically in response to an unrealistic idea or suggestion.

When to use 休想

This phrase is generally informal and may come off as dismissive in more formal contexts. Be mindful of tone; using it in a light-hearted manner is acceptable, but it could be perceived as rude if said sternly. Common collocations include '休想我会...' (Don't think that I will...).

What learners get wrong

Learners might confuse 休想 with just 想 (xiǎng) and use it incorrectly, saying things like '我休想去' (I stop thinking about going) instead of the correct '我休想去!' (Don't think I'm going!). Be sure to use it in contexts where you want to dismiss a suggestion.

Write 休想

休
想

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Frequently asked questions about 休想

No, 休想 is considered informal and may be inappropriate in formal communication.

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