Meanings of 指望
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Podcast: 指望
Podcast: 指望
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AI study notes for 指望
希望 (xīwàng) vs 指望 (zhǐwàng): use 希望 when expressing a general hope or desire, while 指望 implies a stronger sense of reliance on someone or something to fulfill that hope.
Be careful not to confuse 指望 with similar expressions like 希望 (xīwàng), which is more about general hope without the reliance aspect. This term is more informal and can be used in both spoken and written contexts, but it's best to avoid it in very formal writing.
As an HSK Level 6 word, 指望 connects well with other words that express desire or expectation. Students should focus on the nuances of dependency and expectation in its usage, particularly in complex sentences.
Learners often confuse 指望 with 期待 (qīdài), which is more about anticipation. For instance, saying '我指望他会来' (I hope he will come) is correct, but using it as '我期待他会来' indicates a different nuance of waiting with expectation.
Pronunciation of 指望
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Component characters
How to say to hope for sth in Chinese
“to hope for sth” in Chinese is指望
指望 (zhǐwàng) means to hope for something or to count on someone or something. It is commonly used in contexts where expectations are placed on future outcomes, often implying a sense of reliance or trust in those outcomes.
When to use 指望
Be careful not to confuse 指望 with similar expressions like 希望 (xīwàng), which is more about general hope without the reliance aspect. This term is more informal and can be used in both spoken and written contexts, but it's best to avoid it in very formal writing.
指望 or something close to it
希望 (xīwàng) vs 指望 (zhǐwàng): use 希望 when expressing a general hope or desire, while 指望 implies a stronger sense of reliance on someone or something to fulfill that hope.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 指望 with 期待 (qīdài), which is more about anticipation. For instance, saying '我指望他会来' (I hope he will come) is correct, but using it as '我期待他会来' indicates a different nuance of waiting with expectation.
Write 指望
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Grammar patterns of 指望
指望 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 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.
别____我会去那儿看你。
Don't expect me to come and visit you there.
Example sentences for 指望 (10)
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Frequently asked questions about 指望
Yes,指望 can express both positive hopes and negative expectations depending on the context.
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