理想 lǐxiǎng ideal
How to remember 理想: 理 reason + 想 think about = ideal.
Characters
How it is used
- Two senses: an ideal/aspiration (noun) - 实现理想 (shíxiàn lǐxiǎng) realize one's dream; and ideal/satisfactory (adj) - 效果不太理想 the result isn't ideal.
- As a noun it's a lofty life goal; as an adjective it means 'as good as one could hope'.
- Contrast 梦想 (mèngxiǎng), a dream (more emotional/fanciful); 理想 is a more serious, attainable ideal or goal.
Example sentences
- 那是我的理想。 Nàshì wǒde lǐxiǎng.That is my ideal.
- 他被证实是个理想丈夫。 Tā bèi zhèngshí shì gè lǐxiǎng zhàngfū.He proved to be an ideal husband.
- 海滩是一个供孩子们玩乐的理想场所。 Hǎitān shì yígè gōng háizi men wánlè de lǐxiǎng chǎngsuǒ.The beach is an ideal place for children to play.