Meaning
志向
zhì xiàng
Ambition, aspiration
- 志
- aspiration, will
- 向
- direction
The everyday word for life goals and ambition.
Ambition in Chinese
The Chinese word for ambition is 志向 (zhì xiàng). The everyday word for life goals and ambition.
志向
zhì xiàng
Ambition
What 志向 means.
志 is written with 心 (heart) at the bottom: it is what the heart is set on. The proverb 有志者事竟成 says that where there is a will, there is a way.
- 志
- aspiration, will
- 向
- direction
Simplified and traditional
志向
志向
志向 is written the same way in simplified and traditional Chinese, so every Chinese reader recognises it.
Pick the shade of meaning.
Chinese often has more than one word where English has one. Here is how they differ.
Meaning
志
zhì
Aspiration, will
- 志
- aspiration, will
One strong character for a small tattoo.
About ambition in Chinese
How do you write ambition in Chinese?
Ambition is 志向 in Chinese, pronounced zhì xiàng. Ambition, aspiration 志 means “aspiration, will”, 向 means “direction”.
How do you pronounce 志向?
Say zhì (fourth tone, falling), xiàng (fourth tone, falling). Mandarin tones change meaning, so it is worth listening to a native speaker once.
Is 志向 different in traditional Chinese?
No. 志向 is written the same way in simplified and traditional Chinese.
What other Chinese words mean ambition?
志 (zhì): Aspiration, will One strong character for a small tattoo.
Is 志向 a good Chinese tattoo?
Yes, it is a real, everyday Chinese word rather than a machine translation, so Chinese readers will understand it. Keep the characters in their order, top to bottom or left to right, and never mirrored. Choose a readable style such as Kaishu, bring a clean reference to your artist, and show it to a fluent reader before your appointment.