指望 (zhǐwàng) is a verb meaning 'to rely on' or 'to hope for' — usually with the implication of depending on someone or something to provide support, help, or a desired outcome. The character 指 (zhǐ) originally means 'to point' or 'to indicate', suggesting direction or targeting; 望 (wàng) means 'to look toward' or 'to hope'. Together, they evoke the image of looking intently toward something expected — like fixing one’s hopes on a person or plan. It often carries a tone of dependence, vulnerability, or even mild desperation, especially when the expectation is uncertain or unlikely to be fulfilled.

This word is commonly used in spoken and written Chinese, especially in contexts involving expectations from others (e.g., family, friends, authorities) or outcomes beyond one’s control. It frequently appears in negative constructions (e.g., 别指望他 — 'Don’t count on him') to express skepticism or resignation. While similar to 希望 (xīwàng), 指望 emphasizes reliance more strongly and implies active anticipation tied to another agent or external factor.