望子成龙

望子成龍

wàngzǐ-chénglóng

idiom #49,410

Meanings

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

Characters

to hope; to look toward

Examples

HSK 3

望子成龙的心情可以理解，但不能给孩子太大压力。

Wàngzǐchénglóng de xīnqíng kěyǐ lǐjiě, dàn bùnéng gěi háizi tài dà yālì.

High hopes for one's child are understandable, but don't put too much pressure on them.

HSK 5

他从小就承受着父母望子成龙的期望。

Tā cóngxiǎo jiù chéngshòu zhe fùmǔ wàngzǐchénglóng de qīwàng.

From childhood he bore his parents' dragon-sized expectations.

HSK 7-9

中国父母大多望子成龙，望女成凤。

Zhōngguó fùmǔ dàduō wàngzǐchénglóng, wàngnǚchéngfèng.

Most Chinese parents hope their sons become dragons and their daughters phoenixes.

Tips

culture

The dragon (龙) in Chinese culture is the supreme auspicious creature, the emperor's symbol and the embodiment of power and success. 'Becoming a dragon' means reaching the very top of career and status. Pair: 望女成凤 (daughter becomes a 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

望 wàng

子 zǐ

成 chéng

龙 lóng