但愿

• Pinyin: dàn yuàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 但 = 亻 + 旦 (only, but); 愿 = 原 + 心 (wish, desire)

Meaning

To hope; to wish; used to express a sincere but uncertain desire that something will happen or be true.

Often followed by a clause expressing the hoped-for outcome. Carries a tone of longing or hopeful uncertainty. Common in both literary and everyday contexts.

Examples

1. 但愿明天的天气能好一些，我们才能顺利出发。 I hope the weather will be a bit better tomorrow so that we can set off smoothly.
2. 但愿他在异乡一切安好，不必为我们担心。 I only hope that everything is going well for him far from home and that he does not have to worry about us.
3. 我只能但愿事情的结果不会像预料中那么糟糕。 I can only hope the outcome will not be as bad as expected.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday speech, literature, wishes

Tone: hopeful

Do Say

• 但愿一切都能按计划进行。(I only hope that everything goes according to plan.)
• 但愿我们下次还有机会合作。(I sincerely hope we will have the chance to collaborate again.)

Don't Say

• 但愿你买这个 — 但愿 expresses a sincere wish, not a recommendation; use 建议 or 希望你买 for suggestions

Origin & History

但 (only, merely) + 愿 (wish, hope)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal