In Chinese culture, the pursuit of 旺 (wàng) is a fundamental goal for individuals, families, and businesses. It's a cornerstone of good wishes and a key concept in traditional practices like Feng Shui, where arrangements are made to maximize the flow of prosperous energy (`旺气 - wàngqì`).
Comparison to Western “Success”: While the Western concept of “success” often implies achieving a specific, often individual, goal (e.g., “She achieved success after the promotion”), 旺 (wàng) is more of a continuous, desirable state of being. It's less about a destination and more about the vibrant journey. You don't just “achieve” `旺`; your business, family, or personal energy *is* `旺`. It has a more collective and cyclical feel, like a season of abundance (`旺季 - wàngjì`). A family's fortune can be `旺`, benefiting everyone, which ties into the collective values of Chinese culture.
During Chinese New Year, you will hear and see 旺 (wàng) everywhere. People offer wishes for a prosperous new year (`新年旺旺 - xīnnián wàng wàng`), and some foods are eaten for their association with the term. For example, pineapple is called `凤梨 (fènglí)` in Taiwan, which sounds like `旺来 (wàng lái)` in the local dialect, meaning “prosperity arrives.”