空想

kōng xiǎng

HSK 2.0 Level 6 HSK 3.0 Level 7 Verb Uncommon

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Definitions

1. daydream
2. fantasy
3. to fantasize

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Word relationships

Antonyms

1 item

• 现实 xiàn shí 现实 xiàn shí reality opposite in meaning: reality vs. daydream: reality

Related words

1 item

• 做梦 zuò mèng 做梦 zuò mèng to dream literally 'to dream', often implies unrealistic thinking: to dream

Synonyms

2 items

• 幻想 huàn xiǎng 幻想 huàn xiǎng delusion often used interchangeably with 空想 for fanciful thoughts: delusion
• 妄想 wàng xiǎng 妄想 wàng xiǎng to attempt vainly 空想 implies unrealistic but harmless fantasy, 妄想 adds delusion: to attempt vainly

Usage notes

Common mistakes

空想 is often used negatively to imply idle or impractical thinking, unlike neutral 'imagine'.

Formality

More formal and critical than casual 做梦; common in written criticism.

Example Sentences

1 shown

别 空想 了，快行动吧。

Stop daydreaming and act quickly.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Words Containing 空想

• 空想家 空想家 kōng xiǎng jiā: impractical dreamer
• 空想社会主义 空想社会主义 kōng xiǎng shè huì zhǔ yì: utopian socialism

Child Words of 空想

• 想 想 xiǎng: to think (about)
• 空 空 kōng: empty
• 空 空 kòng: to empty