望子成龙

望子成龍
wàngzǐchénglóng
idiom #49,410

Meanings

  1. 1 to hope one's son grows into a dragon
  2. 2 to have high hopes for one's children's success

Examples

Zhōngguó fùmǔ dàduō wàngzǐchénglóng, wàngnǚchéngfèng.
Most Chinese parents hope their sons become dragons and their daughters phoenixes.
Wàngzǐchénglóng de xīnqíng kěyǐ lǐjiě, dàn bù néng gěi háizi tài dà yālì.
High hopes for one's child are understandable, but don't put too much pressure on them.
Tā cóngxiǎo jiù chéngshòuzhe fùmǔ wàngzǐchénglóng de qīwàng.
From childhood he bore his parents' dragon-sized expectations.

Tips

culture
The dragon () in Chinese culture is the supreme auspicious creature — emperor's symbol, embodiment of power and success. 'Becoming a dragon' means reaching the very top of career and status. Pair: (daughter → phoenix).
usage
A cornerstone term of modern education-culture discussions. Often slightly critical in modern contexts — evokes parental pressure, cram schools, and the cost to children's well-being — though the phrase itself is neutral.

Stroke Order

wàng
chéng
lóng