About
The character 望 (wàng) primarily means to gaze, hope, or expect, originating from the visual idea of looking into the distance. In its standard form, it combines the phonetic component 亡 (wáng) with the semantic component 月 (moon) and a lower part originally depicting a person standing on the ground. This early composition showed someone on earth looking up at the moon, yielding the core meaning of gazing afar. Over time, this physical act expanded into abstract thought, shifting the usage from looking at distant objects to anticipating future events, holding expectations, and cherishing wishes. The structure visually links the phonetic guide with the narrative of observing the moon.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我望着窗外。
我们希望你快乐。
我仰望星空。
他望了一眼手表。
孩子们望着动物园里的动物。
我们盼望明天会更好。
她失望地离开了房间。
这位科学家享有很高的威望。