In Western, particularly American culture, the “dream” (e.g., the American Dream) is often individualistic and material—a nice house, a successful career, and personal freedom. The Chinese 理想 (lǐxiǎng), while also personal, is frequently viewed through a more collective and moral lens. A person's 理想 is often tied to a greater purpose: contributing to their family, improving society, or serving the country. This concept is subtly influenced by Confucian values, which emphasize self-cultivation not just for personal gain, but to bring harmony and order to the community. Therefore, having a noble 理想 is seen as a highly virtuous trait. It's not about what you want to get, but about who you want to be and what you want to contribute. While a Westerner might say “My dream is to be rich,” a Chinese person is more likely to frame a similar ambition as “My 理想 is to build a successful company to create jobs for many people.” The focus shifts from personal gain to societal contribution.
理想 (lǐxiǎng) is a common and respected word used in various contexts, from casual conversations about the future to formal, inspirational speeches.
The most common mistake for learners is confusing 理想 (lǐxiǎng) with 梦想 (mèngxiǎng). They both can be translated as “dream,” but their connotations are very different.
Incorrect Usage:
In short: Use 理想 for a serious life plan or a perfect standard. Use 梦想 for a wish, a fantasy, or a more personal “dream.”