理想

• Pinyin: lǐ xiǎng
• Hanzi breakdown: 理 (lǐ) = 王 (jade) + 里 (phonetic); 想 (xiǎng) = 相 (mutual) + 心 (heart)

Meaning

Ideal; dream; aspiration. A goal or vision one hopes to achieve in life.

Can be used as both a noun (an ideal, a dream) and an adjective (ideal, perfect). As a noun, it often refers to long-term life goals. As an adjective, it means something meets one's expectations perfectly.

Examples

1. 我的理想是当一个老师。 My dream is to become a teacher.
2. 这个结果很理想。 This result is very ideal.
3. 年轻人应该有自己的理想。 Young people should have their own aspirations.

Usage Guide

Context: education, career, life goals

Tone: aspirational

Do Say

• 你的理想是什么？(What is your dream?)
• 考试成绩很理想。(The exam results are very ideal.)

Don't Say

• 不要混淆理想和幻想 (Don't confuse 理想 with 幻想 — 理想 implies a realistic aspiration, while 幻想 means fantasy or unrealistic daydream)

Origin & History

Compound of 理 (reason, principle) and 想 (to think, to imagine). Together they form the concept of a reasoned aspiration or an envisioned goal.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal