向往

• Pinyin: xiàng wǎng
• Hanzi breakdown: 向 = 宀 + 口 (direction/facing); 往 = 彳 + 主 (to go/travel — moving toward)

Meaning

To yearn for; to aspire to; to long for something admirable or ideal. A deep desire for a better life or situation.

Expresses a sincere, deep-seated longing for an ideal that feels admirable but perhaps distant. More emotionally elevated than simply 想要 (to want) — 向往 carries a sense of aspiration and reverence. Common in discussions of personal ideals, political aspirations, cultural dreams, and life goals.

Examples

1. 从小在农村长大的他，始终向往城市里更为宽广的发展空间与人生机遇。 Growing up in the countryside, he always yearned for the broader opportunities and room to grow that city life offers.
2. 这部纪录片生动呈现了普通人对美好生活的向往，触动了无数观众内心最柔软的地方。 This documentary vividly portrays ordinary people’s longing for a better life, touching the softest place in countless viewers’ hearts.
3. 她向往那种与自然融为一体的田园生活，渴望彻底远离都市的喧嚣与繁忙。 She longs for a pastoral life in harmony with nature and wants to get completely away from the noise and busyness of the city.

Usage Guide

Context: aspirations, culture, political discourse, personal development

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 人民对美好生活的向往，始终是党和政府一切工作的根本出发点和最终落脚点。(The people's aspiration for a better life has always been the fundamental starting point and ultimate goal of all the Party's and government's work.)
• 他从大学时代起便向往去欧洲深造，多年来一直为实现这个梦想默默地努力奋斗。(Since his university days he has yearned to pursue advanced studies in Europe, quietly working toward this dream for many years.)

Don't Say

• 向往垃圾食品 — 向往 implies aspiring to something elevated and admirable; for food cravings use 渴望 or 特别想吃 instead

Origin & History

向 (facing/directed toward) + 往 (to go/past) — directing one's heart toward something; yearning in a particular direction

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal