望子成龙
High hopes for child
Littéralement: Hope (望) son (子) become (成) dragon (龙)
Use this to describe parents who push their children to reach the absolute top of their fields.
En 15 secondes
- Parents wanting their kids to be highly successful.
- Dragon represents the peak of power and achievement.
- Commonly used to explain high academic or career pressure.
Signification
It describes the deep desire parents have for their children to achieve greatness and become successful in life. It's that classic 'tiger parent' energy where they hope their kid becomes a superstar professional or a leader.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Discussing a neighbor's strict parenting
张阿姨每天给孩子报五个辅导班，真是望子成龙啊。
Auntie Zhang signs her kid up for five tutoring classes; she really has high hopes.
A father explaining his hard work
我这么辛苦工作，也是望子成龙。
I work this hard because I hope my son will be successful.
In a news article about education
现代家长普遍存在望子成龙的心理。
Modern parents generally possess the psychology of wanting their children to succeed.
Contexte culturel
The dragon is the most revered creature in Chinese culture, historically representing the Emperor. This idiom reflects the deep-rooted Confucian value of filial piety and the belief that a child's success is the ultimate achievement for a parent. It became a defining characteristic of the modern 'Tiger Parent' phenomenon seen globally.
Gender Matters
While `望子成龙` is the 'default' idiom, people will definitely notice and appreciate if you use `望女成凤` for a daughter. It shows you really know your stuff!
Don't use it for yourself
You can't use this to say you want to be successful. It's strictly for the 'hopes of a parent' for their child. Using it for yourself sounds very strange.
En 15 secondes
- Parents wanting their kids to be highly successful.
- Dragon represents the peak of power and achievement.
- Commonly used to explain high academic or career pressure.
What It Means
At its heart, 望子成龙 is about the high expectations Chinese parents have. It isn't just about getting good grades. It is about reaching the top of the social or professional ladder. The dragon is the ultimate symbol of power and success. When you use this, you're talking about that intense parental drive. It's both a compliment to their devotion and a comment on the pressure.
How To Use It
You usually use this phrase to describe a parent's motivation. You can say a mother is working three jobs because she is 望子成龙. It often follows the subject directly. You might say: 'Most Chinese parents are 望子成龙.' It’s a very common way to explain why someone is being a bit of a 'helicopter parent.'
When To Use It
Use it when talking about education or career paths. It fits perfectly at a dinner party when discussing kids' schools. It’s great for heart-to-heart talks about family pressure. You can also use it when reflecting on your own upbringing. It sounds natural in both serious discussions and casual gossip about neighbors.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for your own personal ambitions. You wouldn't say 'I hope I become a dragon.' It is strictly for the parent-child dynamic. Also, avoid using it if the child is already an adult and failed. It might sound like you are rubbing salt in the wound. It’s about the *hope*, not necessarily the result.
Cultural Background
In Chinese mythology, the dragon is the highest possible being. Unlike Western dragons, Chinese dragons are wise, auspicious, and powerful. This phrase has been around for centuries. It reflects the Confucian value of bringing honor to the family name. Success isn't just for the individual; it's for the whole lineage. It’s the ultimate 'dream' for any traditional household.
Common Variations
What about daughters? You use 望女成凤 (wàng nǚ chéng fèng). This means 'hoping one's daughter becomes a phoenix.' The phoenix is the female equivalent of the dragon's status. Often, people combine them as 望子成龙，望女成凤. This covers all the bases for any gender. It shows the parents are equally ambitious for their girls!
Notes d'usage
The phrase is very versatile and fits into almost any conversation about family or education. It is grammatically used as a predicate or an adjective-like phrase to describe a parent's mindset.
Gender Matters
While `望子成龙` is the 'default' idiom, people will definitely notice and appreciate if you use `望女成凤` for a daughter. It shows you really know your stuff!
Don't use it for yourself
You can't use this to say you want to be successful. It's strictly for the 'hopes of a parent' for their child. Using it for yourself sounds very strange.
The Dragon vs. Phoenix
In ancient China, the Dragon represented the Emperor and the Phoenix represented the Empress. That's why these two specific animals are used for sons and daughters.
Exemples
6张阿姨每天给孩子报五个辅导班，真是望子成龙啊。
Auntie Zhang signs her kid up for five tutoring classes; she really has high hopes.
Used here to observe and slightly critique intense parenting.
我这么辛苦工作，也是望子成龙。
I work this hard because I hope my son will be successful.
Expresses a parent's selfless motivation.
现代家长普遍存在望子成龙的心理。
Modern parents generally possess the psychology of wanting their children to succeed.
A standard way to describe a social trend.
我妈又在念叨考研了，望子成龙压力大啊！
My mom is nagging about grad school again; the pressure of her expectations is huge!
Shows the child's perspective of the pressure.
这孩子还没出生，你就开始望子成龙了？
The baby isn't even born yet and you're already hoping he'll be a dragon?
Teasing a friend who is already planning the baby's Harvard application.
许多补习班利用了家长望子成龙的心理。
Many cram schools exploit parents' desire for their children to succeed.
Analyzing the business side of parental expectations.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct phrase to describe a parent's high expectations for their son.
每个父母都___，希望孩子将来有出息。
`望子成龙` is the only phrase here related to parental expectations for success.
If the child is a girl, which variation is most appropriate?
她对女儿要求很高，真是___。
`望女成凤` uses the phoenix (凤) to represent a successful female.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 望子成龙
Used when complaining about parents to friends.
我妈真是望子成龙。
Standard way to describe family values.
中国家长往往望子成龙。
Used in academic or psychological papers.
望子成龙的心态影响了教育市场。
Where you'll hear 望子成龙
Parent-Teacher Meeting
Teachers discussing pushy parents.
Family Dinner
Grandparents encouraging the grandkids.
Cram School Ads
Marketing to parents' ambitions.
Coffee with Friends
Gossiping about a strict neighbor.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsTechnically 子 means son, but people often use it as a general term for 'child.' However, for a girl, it's much more natural to say 望女成凤.
It's neutral but leans slightly positive in terms of parental love. However, in modern contexts, it's often used to describe the 'burden' and 'pressure' of high expectations.
You can simply say 父母望子成龙. You don't need extra verbs like 'have' or 'want' because the idiom already contains the verb 望 (to hope/expect).
Yes, if you are discussing the education market, parenting trends, or consumer psychology. It is a very standard and respected idiom.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but you might describe a relaxed parent as 顺其自然 (shùn qí zì rán), meaning they let things take their natural course.
Usually no. It is specifically for the parent-child relationship. A teacher might use 对学生寄予厚望 (have high hopes for students) instead.
Not at all! It just describes the parent's ambition. The child could be a straight-A student and the parent is still 望子成龙.
Not at all. It is used daily in China, especially with the current high-pressure education system. It's more relevant than ever.
It's less common. It's really intended for the direct line of parents and children. For a nephew, you'd just say you hope they 'do well'.
A common mistake is saying 我望子成龙 when you aren't a parent. Only use it if you are the parent or talking about a parent.
Expressions liées
望女成凤
Hoping one's daughter becomes a phoenix (successful).
出人头地
To stand out from the crowd; to become successful.
虎妈
Tiger Mom (a parent who is very strict).
光宗耀祖
To bring honor to one's ancestors.
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