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March 24, 2026
渴望kěwàng(ke3wang4)
渴望 (kěwàng) means to have a strong desire or longing for something. It conveys a deep emotional craving, often for something that feels essential or profoundly important to the individual. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when expressing aspirations or deep wishes.
Strokes23Frequency#2533DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of longing or desire is deeply rooted in Chinese literature and philosophy, often reflecting the Confucian values of aspiration towards personal and societal improvement. This word can be found frequently in poetry and prose, symbolizing the human condition of yearning.
Memory Tip
Think of 渴 (kě), which resembles a person with an open mouth, thirsting for water, and 望 (wàng), which can be imagined as looking up at the sky in longing. Together, they form the idea of longing for something like one longs for water when thirsty.
Meanings of 渴望
kěwàng(ke3wang4)
1to thirst for
2to long for
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 渴望
渴望Simplified
23Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#2533Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 渴望
Podcast: 渴望
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AI Study Notes for 渴望
Quick Contrast
渴求 (kěqiú) — use 渴望 when expressing a deeper emotional craving, while 渴求 is more about a strong demand or request.
Usage Notes
When using 渴望, be mindful of its emotional weight; it implies more than just a casual desire. It is often paired with nouns like '未来' (future) or '成功' (success), which denote significant aspirations. Avoid confusing it with the more casual '想要' (xiǎng yào), which simply means 'to want.'
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 渴望 connects well with other vocabulary related to emotions and aspirations, such as 欲望 (yùwàng, desire) and 追求 (zhuīqiú, to pursue). Students should focus on using it in contexts that express significant desires or goals.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 渴望 too casually; for instance, saying '我渴望一杯水' (I long for a glass of water) is inappropriate. Instead, use '我想要一杯水' (I want a glass of water) for such situations.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 渴望
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Learning Lab
Knowing 渴望 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
渴望 (kěwàng) means to have a strong desire or longing for something. It conveys a deep emotional craving, often for something that feels essential or profoundly important to the individual. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when expressing aspirations or deep wishes.
When to use 渴望
When using 渴望, be mindful of its emotional weight; it implies more than just a casual desire. It is often paired with nouns like '未来' (future) or '成功' (success), which denote significant aspirations. Avoid confusing it with the more casual '想要' (xiǎng yào), which simply means 'to want.'
渴望 or something close to it
渴求 (kěqiú) — use 渴望 when expressing a deeper emotional craving, while 渴求 is more about a strong demand or request.
What learners get wrong
Learners often use 渴望 too casually; for instance, saying '我渴望一杯水' (I long for a glass of water) is inappropriate. Instead, use '我想要一杯水' (I want a glass of water) for such situations.
Write 渴望
渴
望
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Grammar Patterns of 渴望
渴望 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 2 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我非常____能够帮助和照顾他人。
I had a strong desire to help and care for people.
