Chinese word

理想

Pronunciation

Pinyinlǐ xiǎng

Meaning

  • noundream

Example

我的理想是成为一名老师。wǒ de lí xiǎng shì chéng wéi yì míng lǎo shī

My dream is to become a teacher.

Illustration for 理想 (dream)

More examples

有些人没有理想。yǒu xiē rén méi yǒu lí xiǎng

Some people have no dreams.

Core concept

A lasting picture of the best future or way of life, used to guide choices and effort.

Common phrases

  • 没有理想méi yǒu lí xiǎng

    have no dreams

  • 有理想yǒu lí xiǎng

    have dreams

Similar words

目标mù biāo: A clear result that someone plans and works to reach.
希望xī wàng: A wish or expectation that something desired will happen.
梦想mèng xiǎng: A cherished wish that someone hopes to make real someday.

Definition in Chinese

被视为行动和判断依据的长期目标或完美追求。bèi shì wéi xíng dòng hé pàn duàn yī jù de cháng qī mù biāo huò wán měi zhuī qiú

Word origin

理 (lǐ, "reason and order") + 想 (xiǎng, "think or imagine") forms the idea of an imagined goal shaped by what seems right.

Usage tips

  • In Chinese, this noun can name a career aim, a way of life, or a better society, so it is not limited to one job choice.

Other meanings

  • idealnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word