Chinese word

抱负

Pronunciation

Pinyinbào fù

Meaning

  • nounambition

Example

他是个有抱负的年轻人。tā shì gè yǒu bào fù de nián qīng rén

He is a young man with ambition.

Illustration for 抱负 (ambition)

More examples

经过多年努力，他终于实现了自己的抱负。jīng guò duō nián nǔ lì tā zhōng yú shí xiàn le zì jǐ de bào fù

After years of effort, he finally achieved his own ambition.

Core concept

A future aim held close and carried forward as a serious commitment.

Common phrases

  • 有抱负yǒu bào fù

    have ambition

  • 抱负远大bào fù yuǎn dà

    have lofty ambitions

  • 实现抱负shí xiàn bào fù

    achieve one's ambition

Similar words

目标mù biāo: A specific goal or endpoint that someone intends to reach.
理想lí xiǎng: A desired state or standard held up as an ideal to pursue.
梦想mèng xiǎng: A big dream or wish for the future, often carrying hope and longing.
志向zhì xiàng: A guiding direction or aim that shapes a person's future choices.

Definition in Chinese

心中为将来设定并希望通过努力实现的目标或志向。xīn zhōng wèi jiāng lái shè dìng bìng xī wàng tōng guò nǔ lì shí xiàn de mù biāo huò zhì xiàng

Word origin

抱负 (bàofù, "ambition") combines 抱 (bào, "hold") with 负 (fù, "carry or bear"), portraying a purpose held close and carried as a lasting responsibility.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Chinese, this noun has a formal, weighty tone and suits interviews, biographies, and serious discussions of future direction better than relaxed small talk.

Other meanings

  • aspirationnoun

Word lists with this word