chōngjǐng: 憧憬 - To Yearn For, To Look Forward To, Aspiration
Quick Summary
Keywords: chongjing, 憧憬, Chinese for hope, Chinese for yearning, look forward to in Chinese, what does chongjing mean, 憧憬 meaning, Chinese aspirations, longing for the future, a beautiful future in Chinese.
Summary: 憧憬 (chōngjǐng) is a beautiful and evocative Chinese word that describes a deep yearning for a bright, idealized future. It goes beyond simple hope; it is the act of vividly imagining and longing for a better life, a dream, or a goal. Understanding what “chongjing” means provides insight into the Chinese concept of aspiration and the powerful emotions connected to one's dreams and future.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): chōngjǐng
Part of Speech: Verb / Noun
HSK Level: HSK 6
Concise Definition: To yearn for, long for, or look forward to a positive and often idealized future.
In a Nutshell: Think of `憧憬` as “daydreaming with a destination.” It's not just “hoping” for something to happen. It's the active, emotional process of picturing a wonderful future in your mind's eye—like imagining your graduation day, a peaceful life in the countryside, or success in your career—and feeling a powerful mix of excitement, hope, and longing for that vision to become real.
Character Breakdown
憧 (chōng): This character is about feeling. The left side is the “heart” radical (忄), indicating it relates to emotions. The right side (童 tóng) provides the sound. The combined meaning is to long for or to be irresolute, like a heart being pulled towards something.
憬 (jǐng): This character is about vision. It also features the “heart” radical (忄) on the left. The right side is 景 (jǐng), which means “scenery” or “view.” Together, they create a picture of “seeing a scene within one's heart.”
When you combine them, 憧憬 (chōngjǐng) paints a poetic picture: a heart (憧) that is looking at and longing for a beautiful scene or vision (憬) in the future.
Cultural Context and Significance
In Chinese culture, `憧憬` is deeply connected to the concepts of 梦想 (mèngxiǎng - dream) and 奋斗 (fèndòu - to struggle/strive). It's the emotional fuel that drives people to work hard for a better life. You'll frequently encounter this word in songs, literature, and inspirational speeches that encourage young people to pursue their dreams.
Comparison to Western Concepts: In English, we might say “I'm looking forward to the future” or “I aspire to be a doctor.” `憧憬` is more emotionally charged and poetic. “Looking forward to” can be used for simple things like the weekend. `憧憬` is reserved for significant, life-shaping visions. “Aspiration” can sometimes feel formal or professional, whereas `憧憬` carries a sense of romantic, heartfelt yearning. It’s the feeling, not just the goal itself.
Practical Usage in Modern China
`憧憬` is a fairly formal and literary word. It's not typically used in casual, everyday chatter about minor events.
Common Contexts:
Describing Life Goals: People use it to talk about the kind of life, career, or family they dream of having.
Inspirational Content: It's common in motivational articles, graduation speeches, and company mission statements.
Romantic Contexts: Describing a beautiful future one imagines with a partner.
Social Media: Young people might use it in a post caption when reflecting on their future goals or sharing an inspiring photo.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
每个孩子都对未来充满了憧憬。
Pinyin: Měi ge háizi dōu duì wèilái chōngmǎn le chōngjǐng.
English: Every child is full of yearning for the future.
Analysis: This is a classic use of `憧憬` as a noun. It describes the natural, hopeful way children look at the world and what lies ahead.
English: Many young people yearn for a life of striving in a big city.
Analysis: This sentence captures a common social phenomenon in modern China. `憧憬` perfectly describes the mix of hope and ambition driving internal migration.
English: After reading this novel, I began to long for a peaceful, pastoral life.
Analysis: `憧憬` is often triggered by an inspiration, like a book, movie, or story.
Example 6:
他眼中闪烁着对未来的憧憬。
Pinyin: Tā yǎnzhōng shǎnshuò zhe duì wèilái de chōngjǐng.
English: His eyes sparkled with aspiration for the future.
Analysis: A very literary and descriptive use of `憧憬` as a noun, representing the visible hope and excitement a person feels.
Example 7:
我们曾经憧憬的美好未来，现在实现了吗？
Pinyin: Wǒmen céngjīng chōngjǐng de měihǎo wèilái, xiànzài shíxiàn le ma?
English: The beautiful future we once yearned for, has it been realized now?
Analysis: This demonstrates how `憧憬` can be used to reflect on the past and compare youthful dreams with current reality.
Example 8:
毕业典礼上，校长鼓励我们勇敢地去追求自己的憧憬。
Pinyin: Bìyè diǎnlǐ shàng, xiàozhǎng gǔlì wǒmen yǒnggǎn de qù zhuīqiú zìjǐ de chōngjǐng.
English: At the graduation ceremony, the principal encouraged us to bravely pursue our aspirations.
Analysis: Another example of `憧憬` as a noun, synonymous with “dreams” or “aspirations” in this context.
Example 9:
失去了憧憬的生活是灰暗的。
Pinyin: Shīqù le chōngjǐng de shēnghuó shì huī'àn de.
English: A life without aspirations is bleak.
Analysis: This shows the negative case, highlighting the importance of having something to yearn for.
Example 10:
这部电影描绘了上世纪八十年代青年人对新生活的憧憬与追求。
Pinyin: Zhè bù diànyǐng miáohuì le shàng shìjì bāshí niándài qīngniánrén duì xīn shēnghuó de chōngjǐng yǔ zhuīqiú.
English: This movie depicts the youth of the 1980s' yearning and pursuit of a new life.
Analysis: A sophisticated example placing `憧憬` in a historical and social context, paired with `追求 (zhuīqiú - to pursue)`.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
Don't use `憧憬` for everyday events. This is the most common mistake. It's for big, idealized, long-term visions, not for looking forward to dinner or the weekend.
Incorrect: 我憧憬这个周末。(Wǒ chōngjǐng zhège zhōumò.)
Correct: 我很期待这个周末。(Wǒ hěn qídài zhège zhōumò. - I'm really looking forward to this weekend.)
Reason: `期待 (qídài)` is the correct word for general anticipation of any future event. `憧憬` is too grand and poetic for something as regular as a weekend.
`憧憬` vs. `希望 (xīwàng)`:
`希望 (xīwàng)` means “to hope” or “a hope.” It's a general wish that something positive will happen. I hope it doesn't rain.
`憧憬 (chōngjǐng)` is more active and visual. It's the process of imagining and longing for that positive outcome. It’s the feeling of looking at a beautiful picture of your future. You `希望` for success, but you `憧憬` the successful life you will lead.
Related Terms and Concepts
期待 (qídài) - To look forward to, to anticipate. A more common and general-purpose word than `憧憬`.
向往 (xiàngwǎng) - To yearn for, to be attracted to. Very similar to `憧憬`, but often used more for a place, a lifestyle, or a state you haven't experienced (e.g., yearning for life in Paris).
梦想 (mèngxiǎng) - Dream, ambition. `梦想` is the goal or the vision itself; `憧憬` is the emotional act of yearning for that dream.
渴望 (kěwàng) - To thirst for, to crave. This implies a much stronger, more urgent, and sometimes desperate desire than `憧憬`.
希望 (xīwàng) - To hope. The most basic term for wanting a positive future outcome. `憧憬` is a more intense and vivid form of hope.
理想 (lǐxiǎng) - An ideal; ideal. This is often the object of one's `憧憬`. You `憧憬` achieving your `理想`.
未来 (wèilái) - Future. This is the canvas on which you paint your `憧憬`.