The combination of `期 (qī)` and `待 (dài)` literally means “to wait for a specific time/period.” This paints a perfect picture of the word's meaning: not just waiting, but waiting for a particular, anticipated event in the future.
In Chinese culture, `期待` carries a weight that the English “look forward to” often lacks. It is deeply connected to collective hopes and interpersonal responsibilities. A powerful example is the concept of parental expectations. Chinese parents often place immense `期待` on their children. A sentence like, `父母对孩子有很高的期待 (Fùmǔ duì háizi yǒu hěn gāo de qīdài)`, means “Parents have high expectations for their children.” This is not just a passive hope; it's a driving force in the family, a blend of love, sacrifice, and a deep desire for the child to succeed and bring honor to the family. This contrasts with some Western cultural ideals that may place a higher value on a child discovering their “own path,” separate from parental expectations. This `期待` isn't a burden in all contexts, but it signifies a deep emotional investment. It reflects a cultural value where individual success is often intertwined with family and community pride.
`期待` is a versatile and common word used in various modern contexts. Expressing Excitement for Events: This is the most direct usage. You can `期待` a holiday, a party, a trip, or a concert.
Polite and Professional Communication: In emails and messages, `期待您的回复 (qīdài nín de huífù)` is a very common and polite way to say “I look forward to your reply.” It's softer and warmer than just saying `请回复 (qǐng huífù)` (Please reply). Expressing Hope in People: This is where the “expectation” meaning is strongest. It's often used by teachers, bosses, or parents.
As a Noun for “Anticipation”: `期待` can also function as a noun.
Example 1: 我非常期待即将到来的旅行。 Pinyin: Wǒ fēicháng qīdài jíjiāng dàolái de lǚxíng. English: I am really looking forward to the upcoming trip. Analysis: This is the most common, straightforward use of `期待` to express positive excitement for a future event. Example 2: 我们都期待你的好消息。 Pinyin: Wǒmen dōu qīdài nǐ de hǎo xiāoxi. English: We are all looking forward to your good news. Analysis: Here, `期待` expresses a shared, hopeful anticipation for a positive outcome for someone else. Example 3: 期待您的回复。 Pinyin: Qīdài nín de huífù. English: I look forward to your reply. Analysis: A standard, polite, and warm closing for emails or formal messages. `您 (nín)` makes it respectful. Example 4: 不要对他有太高的期待，他还是个新手。 Pinyin: Búyào duì tā yǒu tài gāo de qīdài, tā háishì ge xīnshǒu. English: Don't have overly high expectations for him; he's still a novice. Analysis: This shows `期待` used as a noun (“expectations”) and in a negative construction to manage those expectations. Example 5: 这部电影我期待了很久！ Pinyin: Zhè bù diànyǐng wǒ qīdài le hěn jiǔ! English: I've been looking forward to this movie for a long time! Analysis: The use of `了 (le)` and `很久 (hěn jiǔ)` emphasizes that the feeling of anticipation has been ongoing. Example 6: 看到孩子们充满期待的目光，老师笑了。 Pinyin: Kàndào háizimen chōngmǎn qīdài de mùguāng, lǎoshī xiào le. English: Seeing the children's gazes full of anticipation, the teacher smiled. Analysis: A perfect example of `期待` used as a noun to mean the feeling or look of “anticipation.” Example 7: 我们期待新产品能获得市场的认可。 Pinyin: Wǒmen qīdài xīn chǎnpǐn néng huòdé shìchǎng de rènkě. English: We expect/hope that the new product will gain market approval. Analysis: A common usage in a business context, expressing a strong hope for a successful outcome. Example 8: 他对未来充满了期待和梦想。 Pinyin: Tā duì wèilái chōngmǎnle qīdài hé mèngxiǎng. English: He is full of anticipation and dreams for the future. Analysis: This shows `期待` paired with `梦想 (mèngxiǎng)` (dreams) to describe a person's optimistic outlook. Example 9: 你最期待今年的哪个节日？ Pinyin: Nǐ zuì qīdài jīnnián de nǎge jiérì? English: Which holiday this year are you looking forward to the most? Analysis: A simple question using `期待` to ask about someone's preferences and excitement. Example 10: 结果令人失望，完全没有达到我们的期待。 Pinyin: Jiéguǒ lìng rén shīwàng, wánquán méiyǒu dádào wǒmen de qīdài. English: The result was disappointing; it completely failed to meet our expectations. Analysis: This sentence shows the consequence of unfulfilled `期待` (expectations), linking it to its antonym `失望 (shīwàng)` (disappointment).
1. `期待` (qīdài) vs. English “Expect”: This is the biggest pitfall for learners. In English, “expect” can be neutral or negative. You can “expect traffic to be bad” or “expect the meeting to be boring.” You cannot use `期待` for this. `期待` implies you want the thing to happen. For neutral predictions, use words like `预计 (yùjì)` or `估计 (gūjì)`.
2. `期待` (qīdài) vs. `等待` (děngdài):
You can `等待` for something you don't want, but you can only `期待` something you do want. 3. Overusing `期待` for Simple Hopes: While `期待` means to hope for something, for general or less certain wishes, `希望 (xīwàng)` (to hope) is often more natural. `期待` works best for specific, often scheduled, future events or outcomes.