In Chinese culture, personal ambition is often viewed through a collective lens. A worthy 抱负 (bàofù) is typically one that benefits not just the individual, but also their family, community, or even the nation. It is steeped in the Confucian value of contributing to a harmonious and prosperous society. A great way to understand 抱负 (bàofù) is to contrast it with the Western concept of “ambition.” In English, “ambition” can be neutral or even negative, sometimes implying ruthless or selfish desire (e.g., “his blind ambition led to his downfall”). 抱负, on the other hand, is almost exclusively positive and praiseworthy. It suggests a noble character and a grand vision. For example, a Westerner might say their ambition is “to become a millionaire.” While not inherently bad, this is a purely individualistic goal. A Chinese person expressing their 抱负 would more likely frame it as something like, “我的抱负是创办一家能改变人们生活的科技公司” (My aspiration is to found a tech company that can change people's lives). The focus is on the impact and contribution, which is a core element of 抱负.
抱负 is a relatively formal word. You'll hear it in serious discussions about life, careers, and ideals. It's not typically used in casual, everyday chit-chat.