To look forward to something with deep aspiration and desire.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A strong feeling of longing for something desirable.
- Often used to express dreams or future aspirations.
- More formal than simple wanting or desiring.
Overview
- 1概述：向往是一个书面语色彩较浓的动词，用来描述心理上的一种深层渴望。它不仅仅是简单的“想要”，更包含了一种对理想状态或遥远目标的崇敬与追求。2) 用法模式：该词常与名词或动词短语搭配，如“向往自由”、“向往美好的生活”。在句中，它通常位于主语之后，后接宾语，有时也会在前面加上程度副词如“非常”、“一直”。3) 常见语境：它常出现在文学作品、演讲、个人目标陈述或对未来规划的讨论中。例如，年轻人常说“向往大城市的生活”，或者人们表达“向往和平”。4) 近义词辨析：与“希望”相比，“向往”的情感浓度更深，更强调一种精神上的追求；与“想要”相比，“向往”更正式，且通常指代的对象具有一定的理想化色彩或距离感。
Examples
我一直向往去西藏旅游。
everydayI have always longed to travel to Tibet.
他向往平等与自由的社会环境。
formalHe yearns for a social environment of equality and freedom.
那种生活是我所向往的。
informalThat kind of life is what I long for.
学者们向往一个真理至上的学术氛围。
academicScholars yearn for an academic atmosphere where truth prevails.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
令人向往
enticing / desirable
心向往之
deeply yearn for it (idiomatic)
向往已久
long have been longing for
Often Confused With
Expectation focuses on what you think will happen; 向往 focuses on what you desire to happen.
追求 implies active effort and action to achieve a goal; 向往 is more about the internal state of longing.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '向往' in formal or semi-formal contexts when discussing ideals, dreams, or future visions. It carries a positive, romanticized, or elevated tone. Avoid using it for immediate, tangible, or small-scale needs.
Common Mistakes
Students often use '向往' for immediate tasks like 'I yearn to finish my homework', which is incorrect. It should be reserved for long-term goals or states of being. Do not forget that it is a verb and needs a clear object.
Tips
Use with abstract nouns
Pair '向往' with abstract concepts like freedom, peace, or a better life to sound more natural and sophisticated.
Avoid for trivial items
Do not use '向往' for small, daily needs like 'wanting a cup of coffee'. Use '想要' instead.
Expressing life ideals
In Chinese culture, talking about what you '向往' is a common way to share your personal values and life goals.
Word Origin
The character '向' implies direction or orientation, and '往' implies movement or going towards. Together, they represent the mental act of orienting one's heart toward a future goal.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, '向往' is often used to describe the 'ideal life' (理想生活), reflecting a collective appreciation for harmony, success, and personal fulfillment.
Memory Tip
Think of '向往' as 'looking towards' (向) the 'future/dream' (往). It is the feeling of your heart reaching out to a distant, beautiful destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“希望”比较通用，可以指任何想实现的事；而“向往”带有更强烈的感情色彩，通常指对美好的、理想的或遥远的事物的深切渴望。
可以，但通常需要加上名词性成分，例如“向往去旅游”或“向往过上安稳的生活”。
是的，向往通常用于表达积极、正面且令人愉悦的追求，具有明显的褒义色彩。
虽然是书面语，但在正式的口语交流、面试或表达人生观时经常使用，显得更有文化底蕴。
Test Yourself
我一直非常___那种无忧无虑的田园生活。
“向往”表达对理想生活的渴望，符合语境。
哪种情境最适合使用“向往”？
“向往”通常用于长远、理想化的目标，而非简单的生理需求或日常任务。
请将词语组成句子：生活 / 我们 / 美好 / 向往 / 的。
标准的“主谓宾”结构。
Score: /3
Summary
To look forward to something with deep aspiration and desire.
- A strong feeling of longing for something desirable.
- Often used to express dreams or future aspirations.
- More formal than simple wanting or desiring.
Use with abstract nouns
Pair '向往' with abstract concepts like freedom, peace, or a better life to sound more natural and sophisticated.
Avoid for trivial items
Do not use '向往' for small, daily needs like 'wanting a cup of coffee'. Use '想要' instead.
Expressing life ideals
In Chinese culture, talking about what you '向往' is a common way to share your personal values and life goals.
Examples
4 of 4我一直向往去西藏旅游。
I have always longed to travel to Tibet.
他向往平等与自由的社会环境。
He yearns for a social environment of equality and freedom.
那种生活是我所向往的。
That kind of life is what I long for.
学者们向往一个真理至上的学术氛围。
Scholars yearn for an academic atmosphere where truth prevails.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.
佩服
B1To admire; to respect.
