In Chinese culture, dreams are not just random brain activity; they are often seen as significant omens, premonitions, or messages. The interpretation of dreams has a long and storied history. The most famous example is the 周公解梦 (Zhōu Gōng Jiě Mèng) - Zhou Gong's Dream Dictionary. Attributed to a revered figure from the Zhou Dynasty, this ancient text is a comprehensive guide to dream symbolism. For centuries, and even sometimes today, people would consult it to understand what their dreams meant for their fortune, health, or family. For example, dreaming of a snake might predict wealth, while dreaming of your teeth falling out could be a very bad omen for your parents. This contrasts with the typical modern Western view, which is heavily influenced by Freudian psychology and sees dreams as a reflection of our internal subconscious—our hidden desires, fears, and anxieties. The traditional Chinese perspective often treats dreams as a window into the external world and the future, a sign of a deep connection between humanity and the cosmos. While most modern urban Chinese people don't literally guide their lives by it, the idea of a dream having a special meaning is still a powerful cultural undercurrent.
梦见 (mèngjiàn) is a very common verb used in everyday conversation to recount the events of a dream. Its usage is straightforward and doesn't carry a particularly formal or informal tone. You can use it with friends, family, and in writing. It's almost always used to describe a literal dream that occurred during sleep. For metaphorical “dreams” like aspirations or hopes, you would use the word 梦想 (mèngxiǎng). The verb is almost always followed by an object—the person, thing, or event that was seen in the dream.
The most critical mistake for learners is confusing 梦见 (mèngjiàn) with 做梦 (zuòmèng).
Another point of confusion is with the English phrase “I dream of…” which can be metaphorical.