Meanings of 空想
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Podcast: 空想
Podcast: 空想
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AI study notes for 空想
幻想 (huànxiǎng) - use 空想 when emphasizing unrealistic daydreaming rather than the broader concept of imagination that may include feasible ideas.
Learners often confuse 空想 with the more practical 想法 (xiǎngfǎ), which means 'idea' or 'thought.' While 空想 has a whimsical connotation, it is generally used in informal contexts. Be cautious with tone; the first character '空' should be pronounced with a high level tone.
As an HSK level 6 word, 空想 connects well with other complex vocabulary related to emotions and thoughts. Focus on using it in sentences where you describe dreams or unrealistic plans, and practice its usage in both written and spoken Chinese to reinforce understanding.
Learners sometimes confuse 空想 with the verb form of 'to think' (想). For example, saying '我空想做一个医生' (wǒ kōngxiǎng zuò yīgè yīshēng) is incorrect; it should be '我想做一个医生' (wǒ xiǎng zuò yīgè yīshēng) to mean 'I want to be a doctor.'
Pronunciation of 空想
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Component characters
How to say daydream in Chinese
“daydream” in Chinese is空想
空想 (kōngxiǎng) refers to a form of imaginative thought that often involves unrealistic or impractical ideas, essentially daydreaming or fantasizing. It is commonly used in contexts where someone is envisioning scenarios that are unlikely to materialize, highlighting a contrast between reality and one's dreams.
When to use 空想
Learners often confuse 空想 with the more practical 想法 (xiǎngfǎ), which means 'idea' or 'thought.' While 空想 has a whimsical connotation, it is generally used in informal contexts. Be cautious with tone; the first character '空' should be pronounced with a high level tone.
空想 or something close to it
幻想 (huànxiǎng) - use 空想 when emphasizing unrealistic daydreaming rather than the broader concept of imagination that may include feasible ideas.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes confuse 空想 with the verb form of 'to think' (想). For example, saying '我空想做一个医生' (wǒ kōngxiǎng zuò yīgè yīshēng) is incorrect; it should be '我想做一个医生' (wǒ xiǎng zuò yīgè yīshēng) to mean 'I want to be a doctor.'
Write 空想
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Practice writing 空想 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 空想
空想 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 3 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
有理想，却不愿为之努力，那只是____。
There's no point having wishes if you don't at least try to do them.--Sally Nicholls
Example sentences for 空想 (2)
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Frequently asked questions about 空想
Yes, while it often implies unrealistic ideas, it can also highlight creativity and imagination in a positive light.
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