to expect, to hope, to look forward to

JLPT N2 11 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of

The character (wàng) primarily means 'to hope' or 'to expect,' often expressing a desire for a positive outcome. It can also mean 'to look at' or 'to gaze into the distance,' which is a more literal, physical sense.

Common Collocations

  • (wàngzhe): to look at, to gaze
  • (wàng zǐ chéng lóng): a common idiom meaning 'to hope one's son will become successful'
  • (wàng nǐ): I hope you...

Notes

When used to express hope or expectation, often appears in formal or written contexts rather than casual speech, where 希望 (xīwàng) is more common. The literal sense of looking or gazing is often accompanied by directional complements like 远方 (yuǎnfāng, distance).

Avoid confusing with (wàng, to forget), which has a similar pronunciation but different meaning and character.

Example Sentences

I hope you recover soon.

He looked into the distance, thinking about the future.

Hoping their son will succeed is the wish of many parents.