Various ways to say “looking forward to” in Chinese

Let’s explore the common expressions and their uses in sentences for ‘looking forward to’ in Chinese.

期待 (qīdài)

This phrase means “to look forward to” and is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

e.g.

我期待你的回信。 (Wǒ qīdài nǐ de huíxìn.) I am looking forward to your reply.

我们期待明年的旅行。 (Wǒmen qīdài míngnián de lǚxíng.) We are looking forward to next year’s trip.

孩子们期待着圣诞节的到来。 (Háizimen qīdài zhe shèngdànjié de dàolái.) The children are looking forward to Christmas.

盼望 (pànwàng)

This phrase means “to look forward to” and is slightly more formal, often used to express eager anticipation.

e.g.

我盼望与你见面。 (Wǒ pànwàng yǔ nǐ jiànmiàn.) I am looking forward to meeting you.

大家都盼望假期的到来。 (Dàjiā dōu pànwàng jiàqī de dàolái.) Everyone is looking forward to the holidays.

我盼望着这个项目的完成。 (Wǒ pànwàng zhe zhège xiàngmù de wánchéng.) I am looking forward to the completion of this project.

向往 (xiàngwǎng)

This phrase means “to look forward to” with a sense of yearning or longing, often used for ideal or dreamlike scenarios.

e.g.

我向往自由的生活。 (Wǒ xiàngwǎng zìyóu de shēnghuó.) I look forward to a life of freedom.

她向往去巴黎旅行。 (Tā xiàngwǎng qù Bālí lǚxíng.) She looks forward to traveling to Paris.

我们都向往一个和平的世界。 (Wǒmen dōu xiàngwǎng yīgè hépíng de shìjiè.) We all look forward to a peaceful world.

期盼 (qīpàn)

This phrase means “to look forward to” and carries a sense of hope and anticipation.

e.g.

我期盼着与你再次见面。 (Wǒ qīpàn zhe yǔ nǐ zàicì jiànmiàn.) I am looking forward to seeing you again.

期盼春天的到来。 (Qīpàn chūntiān de dàolái.) Looking forward to the arrival of spring.

他们期盼着比赛的开始。 (Tāmen qīpàn zhe bǐsài de kāishǐ.) They are looking forward to the start of the competition.

期望 (qīwàng)

This phrase means “to expect” or “to look forward to,” and it is often used to express a strong sense of anticipation or desire.

e.g.

我期望明天会更好。 (Wǒ qīwàng míngtiān huì gèng hǎo.) I look forward to a better tomorrow.

他们期望尽快完成任务。 (Tāmen qīwàng jǐnkuài wánchéng rènwù.) They look forward to completing the task as soon as possible.

我们期望能再见面。 (Wǒmen qīwàng néng zài jiànmiàn.) We look forward to meeting again.