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理想 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
理想
lǐxiǎng
a dream
HSK 4, n, 24 strokes, rank #3498, Medium
理想
lǐxiǎng
an ideal
HSK 4, n, 24 strokes, rank #3498, Medium
理想
lǐxiǎng
perfection
HSK 4, n, 24 strokes, rank #3498, Medium
理想
lǐxiǎng
ideal
HSK 4, n, 24 strokes, rank #3498, Medium
理想
lǐxiǎng
perfect
HSK 4, n, 24 strokes, rank #3498, Medium
理想
lǐxiǎng
desirable
HSK 4, n, 24 strokes, rank #3498, Medium
lǐxiǎng(li3xiang3)li xiang T3
1a dream
2an ideal
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March 24, 2026
理想lǐxiǎng(li3xiang3)
理想 (lǐxiǎng) refers to an ideal or a dream, often representing one's aspirations or the perfect state one wishes to achieve. Commonly used in contexts like personal goals, career ambitions, and philosophical discussions about what constitutes a good life, it conveys a sense of striving for excellence and fulfillment.
Strokes24Frequency#3498DifficultyMedium
Cultural note
理想 is often referenced in the context of Chinese philosophies that emphasize the pursuit of virtue and personal development, such as Confucianism. It reflects the cultural value placed on self-improvement and societal contribution.
Memory tip
Think of 理 (lǐ) as 'reason' or 'logic' and 想 (xiǎng) as 'to think' or 'to dream.' Imagine a scholar deeply thinking about the 'perfect' life they aspire to achieve, where their logic aligns with their dreams. The character's components suggest a thoughtful pursuit of ideals.
Meanings of 理想
lǐxiǎng(li3xiang3)
1a dream
2an ideal
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About 理想
理想Simplified
24Strokes
—Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#3498Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 理想
Podcast: 理想
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AI study notes for 理想
Quick Contrast
理想 (lǐxiǎng) vs 目标 (mùbiāo) — use 理想 for broader aspirations or dreams, while 目标 refers to specific, measurable objectives.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 理想 with 梦想 (mèngxiǎng), which specifically means 'dream' in the sense of aspirations that may be less grounded. 理想 is more about achievable ideals. It is often used in both formal and informal registers, but the context should dictate its usage.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 理想 connects to other words relating to dreams, goals, and values. Students should focus on its usage in sentences about personal aspirations and understand its nuances compared to similar terms.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 理想 with other similar words like 目标 (mùbiāo) meaning 'goal.' For example, saying '我的目标是一名医生' (My goal is to be a doctor) is incorrect if they intend to express a broader ideal or aspiration, in which case 理想 should be used.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 理想
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理想 (lǐxiǎng) refers to an ideal or a dream, often representing one's aspirations or the perfect state one wishes to achieve. Commonly used in contexts like personal goals, career ambitions, and philosophical discussions about what constitutes a good life, it conveys a sense of striving for excellence and fulfillment.
When to use 理想
Be cautious not to confuse 理想 with 梦想 (mèngxiǎng), which specifically means 'dream' in the sense of aspirations that may be less grounded. 理想 is more about achievable ideals. It is often used in both formal and informal registers, but the context should dictate its usage.
理想 or something close to it
理想 (lǐxiǎng) vs 目标 (mùbiāo) — use 理想 for broader aspirations or dreams, while 目标 refers to specific, measurable objectives.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 理想 with other similar words like 目标 (mùbiāo) meaning 'goal.' For example, saying '我的目标是一名医生' (My goal is to be a doctor) is incorrect if they intend to express a broader ideal or aspiration, in which case 理想 should be used.
Write 理想
理
想
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Grammar patterns of 理想
理想 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
