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March 24, 2026
望wàng(wang4)
The character 望 (wàng) primarily means 'to hope' or 'to expect.' It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to express desires or aspirations, as well as the act of gazing into the distance or looking towards something. In a lunar calendar context, it refers to the full moon, which is traditionally associated with reunion and longing.
Strokes11Radical月Frequency#4651DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the full moon is a symbol of reunion and family gatherings, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节), where people gaze at the moon and express their hopes for the future.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person standing on a hill, gazing at the full moon (望) in the night sky, filled with hope for a loved one to return. The character's form includes the radical for 'eye' (目) at the bottom, symbolizing the act of looking, while the top part suggests a horizon or distance.
Meanings of 望
wàng(wang4)
1full moon
2to hope
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About 望
望Simplified
11Strokes
月Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#4651Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 望
Podcast: 望
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AI Study Notes for 望
Quick Contrast
盼 (pàn) — use 望 (wàng) for a broader sense of hope or expectation, while 盼 (pàn) is more focused on eagerly waiting for something.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 望 with similar-sounding words like 忘 (wàng, to forget). It's used in both formal settings, such as in written correspondence, and casual conversations. Be mindful of the tone, as 望 is pronounced with a falling tone (4th tone).
HSK Study Tips
Although 望 is not listed in HSK levels, it connects with HSK vocabulary related to emotions and aspirations. Students should focus on using it in sentences expressing hopes or future expectations, as well as recognizing its use in idiomatic phrases.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 望 with 望远镜 (wàngyuǎnjìng, telescope), thinking it refers to the act of looking far, while it actually means to hope or gaze. Instead, remember that 望 focuses on expectation, not merely distance.
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Pronunciation of 望
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Etymology of 望
Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Explanation
Pictograph of a person standing up (𡈼) and gazing at the moon (月). 亡 is a sound component that was added later.
Memory Hint
A king 王 gazing at the moon 月; 亡 provides the pronunciation
The character 望 (wàng) primarily means 'to hope' or 'to expect.' It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to express desires or aspirations, as well as the act of gazing into the distance or looking towards something. In a lunar calendar context, it refers to the full moon, which is traditionally associated with reunion and longing.
When to use 望
Common mistakes include confusing 望 with similar-sounding words like 忘 (wàng, to forget). It's used in both formal settings, such as in written correspondence, and casual conversations. Be mindful of the tone, as 望 is pronounced with a falling tone (4th tone).
望 or something close to it
盼 (pàn) — use 望 (wàng) for a broader sense of hope or expectation, while 盼 (pàn) is more focused on eagerly waiting for something.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 望 with 望远镜 (wàngyuǎnjìng, telescope), thinking it refers to the act of looking far, while it actually means to hope or gaze. Instead, remember that 望 focuses on expectation, not merely distance.
Write 望
望
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Grammar Patterns of 望
望 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 10 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.
