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March 24, 2026
期望qīwàng(qi1wang4)
期望 (qī wàng) refers to having hopes or expectations about something, typically in a positive context. It is often used when one anticipates a certain outcome and expresses a desire for that outcome to occur, such as expecting good results from an effort or hoping for improvement in a situation.
Frequency#2599DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
期望 is commonly used in educational and professional settings, reflecting the cultural emphasis on achievement and progress. In Chinese society, having high expectations—whether as a student or a worker—is often seen as a virtue.
Memory Tip
Think of '期望' as a 'key' to your 'wants'—the character '期' (qī) looks like a calendar, suggesting a time frame for your hopes, while '望' (wàng) resembles a person looking out into the distance, symbolizing the act of looking forward to something.
Meanings of 期望
qīwàng(qi1wang4)
1to have expectations
2to earnestly hope
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About 期望
期望Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#2599Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 期望
Podcast: 期望
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AI Study Notes for 期望
Quick Contrast
盼望 (pànwàng) — use 期望 for more formal or specific expectations, while 盼望 conveys a more general or emotional longing.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '期望' as a 'key' to your 'wants'—the character '期' (qī) looks like a calendar, suggesting a time frame for your hopes, while '望' (wàng) resembles a person looking out into the distance, symbolizing the act of looking forward to something.
Usage Notes
When using 期望, be cautious of the context; it is often used in both formal and informal situations, though more common in written language. A common collocation is '有期望' (yǒu qī wàng - to have expectations), and learners should be careful not to confuse it with '希望' (xī wàng - to hope), which can be more general.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 期望 connects to themes of aspiration and ambition in Chinese. Students should focus on its usage in various contexts, especially in discussions about goals and future plans, and differentiate it from similar terms.
Cultural Note
期望 is commonly used in educational and professional settings, reflecting the cultural emphasis on achievement and progress. In Chinese society, having high expectations—whether as a student or a worker—is often seen as a virtue.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 期望 with 希望, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我期望你能来' (Wǒ qīwàng nǐ néng lái - I expect you to come) is incorrect in casual contexts; 希望 would be more appropriate here.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 期望
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Grammar Patterns of 期望
期望 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 4 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.
Do you look forward to old age, or do you dread frailty, loss of memory and dependence on others?
6
现在她意识到自己对海伦的期望太高了。
xiàn zài tā yì shí dào zì jǐ duì hǎi lún de qī wàng tài gāo le。
She realizes now she expected too much of Helen.
7
我认为你对我的期望太高了。
wǒ rèn wéi nǐ duì wǒ de qī wàng tài gāo le。
I think you're expecting too much of me.
8
她的父母对她和她妹妹有着很高的期望.
tā de fù mǔ duì tā hé tā mèi mèi yǒu zháo hěn gāo de qī wàng.
Her parents were intensely ambitious for her and her younger sister.
9
他们期望会有很高的投票数.
tā mén qī wàng huì yǒu hěn gāo de tóu piào shù.
They expected a heavy poll.
10
他投票赞成变革并期望他的同事投同样的票。
tā tóu piào zàn chéng biàn gé bìng qī wàng tā de tóng shì tóu tóng yàng de piào。
He voted for the change and he expected his colleagues to do likewise .
Cultural Notes for 期望
🏮Cultural insight
期望 is commonly used in educational and professional settings, reflecting the cultural emphasis on achievement and progress. In Chinese society, having high expectations—whether as a student or a worker—is often seen as a virtue.
Frequently Asked Questions about 期望
While 期望 typically conveys positive hopes, it can be used in contexts where disappointment is anticipated, but this is less common.
Yes, 期望 often suggests a stronger, more specific expectation compared to 希望, which is a more general term for hope.
You might say '我对这次考试的期望很高' (Wǒ duì zhè cì kǎoshì de qīwàng hěn gāo) meaning 'I have high expectations for this exam.'
