抱負
pou5 fu3
The Cantonese word for ambition is 抱負 (pou5 fu3).
抱負 refers to noble or positive long-term goals. To say someone is ambitious in a positive sense, use the phrase 有抱負 (jau5 pou5 fu3).
Meaning: desire (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 抱負 is composed of the characters 抱 (to hold/embrace) and 負 (burden/responsibility), literally implying a responsibility or goal one holds in one's heart.
Which one should you use?
While 抱負 refers to noble or positive long-term goals, 野心 (je5 sam1) is often used to describe a more selfish, grasping or ruthless ambition. The term 志向 (zi3 heung3) can be translated as aspiration or goal and is often used to describe ambition.
How do you pronounce it?
pou5 fu3
Did you know?
- While 抱負 is positive, the word for ruthless ambition, 野心, literally translates to 'wild heart'.
- In certain traditional contexts, achieving one's 抱負 is linked to the Confucian ideal of self-cultivation and serving society.
- The character 抱 in 抱負 means 'to embrace' and is the same character used for giving a hug.
Examples in context
- 他有很大的野心，希望成為一位成功的企業家He has a great ambition, hoping to become a successful entrepreneur
- 佢真係有志，一定可以成功He truly has a great ambition, and he will definitely succeed
- 佢嘅目標好高，真係有好大嘅野心。His goals are lofty, he truly has great ambitions.
- 我嘅抱負係成為醫生。ngo5 ge3 pou6 fu6 hai6 sing4 wai4 ji1 sang1.My ambition is to become a doctor.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their career goals.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit曉彤，你畢業之後有咩抱負？hiu2 tung4, nei5 baat3 jip6 zi1 hau6 jau5 me1 pou3 fu6?Hiu Tung, what are your ambitions after graduation?
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung我想喺藝術界做出啲成績。ngo5 soeng2 hai2 ngai6 seot3 gaai3 zut1 ceot1 di1 sing4 zik1.I want to achieve something in the art world.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit呢個抱負好令人佩服。ni1 go3 pou3 fu6 hou2 ling4 jan4 pui3 fuk6.That ambition is very admirable.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung多謝你，俊傑。do1 ze6 nei5, zyun3 git3.Thank you, Chun Kit.
