梦
mèng
Dream · trad. 夢
梦 (mèng) is the basic word for "dream" as a noun, referring to what you experience while sleeping. When you want to say "to dream" (while sleeping), you typically use the verb phrase 做梦 (zuò mèng). For aspirations, goals, or a future vision, 梦想 (mèngxiǎng) is the appropriate word.
When to use it
Neutral. 梦 is the noun for a sleeping dream. 做梦 is the verb phrase for having such a dream. 梦想 can be both a noun (an aspiration or goal) and a verb (to dream of/aspire to something), and it's commonly used for future goals or ideals.
How to pronounce it
梦 (mèng) sounds roughly like “mung” with a falling tone. 做梦 (zuò mèng) sounds like “zwoh mung,” both with falling tones. 梦想 (mèngxiǎng) sounds like “mung-SHYANG,” with the first syllable falling and the second rising.
Other ways to say it
- 做梦zuò mèngto dream (while sleeping)
- 梦想mèng xiǎngdream (aspiration/goal); to dream of
- 白日梦bái rì mèngdaydream
Examples
我昨晚做了一个奇怪的梦。
wǒ zuó wǎn zuò le yí gè qí guài de mèng 。
I had a strange dream last night.
你的梦想是什么？
nǐ de mèng xiǎng shì shén me ？
What is your dream? (aspiration)
他总是喜欢做白日梦。
tā zǒng shì xǐ huan zuò bái rì mèng 。
He always likes to daydream.
Pro tip: Remember the distinction: 梦 is the noun for a dream you have in your sleep, and 做梦 is the verb phrase for having that dream. 梦想 is used for dreams of the future, aspirations, or goals, and can function as both a noun and a verb.
Related phrases
和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
Want to speak Chinese for real?
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →