Skip to content

但愿

dàn yuàn
HSK 3.0 Level 7 Verb Common

Definitions

  1. 1. if only (sth were possible)
  2. 2. I wish (that)

Stop forgetting what you study. Build recall daily.

Try HanyuGuide's Chinese review system with multiple choice, typed recall, tone-aware practice, and reviews scheduled before memory fades.

Get Yearly · $49.99 / year

Sign up with Google
Continue with Email

By continuing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Try a practice session

Word relationships

Related words

1 item
恨不得
hèn bu dé

wishing one could do sth

expresses an urgent wish that cannot be realized, similar to 'if only'

Synonyms

1 item
希望
xī wàng

to wish for

both express a wish, but 但愿 is often used for wishes contrary to fact or with less certainty

Usage notes

Common mistakes

Avoid using 但愿 for probable or factual wishes; use 希望 instead for realistic hopes.

Formality

但愿 is somewhat formal and often used in fixed expressions or literary contexts, less common in casual speech.

Example Sentences

1 shown
但愿 明天不要下雨。
I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Words Containing 但愿

但愿如此
dàn yuàn rú cǐ

if only it were so

Child Words of 但愿

但
dàn

but; yet; however; still

愿
yuàn

to hope