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但愿

dàn yuàn
HSK 3.0 Level 7 Verb Common

Definitions

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

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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