‘宏愿’ (hóng yuàn) is a formal, literary noun meaning ‘lofty aspiration’ or ‘grand ambition’ — a deeply held, noble goal that reflects high moral purpose or far-reaching vision. The first character 宏 (hóng) means ‘vast,’ ‘magnificent,’ or ‘broad,’ conveying scale and significance; the second character 愿 (yuàn) means ‘wish,’ ‘desire,’ or ‘aspiration.’ Together, they emphasize not just any wish, but one that is elevated in scope and ethical weight — often tied to service, legacy, or societal betterment.

This term appears frequently in speeches, essays, historical narratives, and inspirational contexts — especially when describing figures like educators, philanthropists, scientists, or reformers. It carries respectful, reverent connotations and is rarely used for everyday personal goals (e.g., wanting a new phone). Because of its elevated register, it’s more common in written Chinese than casual speech, and it often appears with verbs like 立 (to make/establish), 抱有 (to hold), or 实现 (to realize).