Definition
野心 (yě xīn) is ambition with a negative connotation — it implies overreaching, unscrupulousness, or a drive for power/wealth at others' expense. This contrasts with 抱负 (bào fù) and 志向 (zhì xiàng), which are neutral or positive, referring to lofty, principled goals. Use 野心 when the ambition is seen as ruthless or excessive.
noun
ambition (with a negative connotation of overreaching or unscrupulousness)wild schemesscheming
Examples
- 野心，。Tā de yě xīn hěn dà, dàn yì zhí méi yǒu jī huì shí xiàn.His ambition is huge, but he never had the chance to realize it.
- 野心。Zhè ge jiàng lǐng de yě xīn ràng tā zuì zhōng shī bài le.This general's ambition ultimately led to his failure.
- 野心，。Tā wèi le shí le shí xiàn yě xīn, bù xī xī shēng zì jǐ de jiā tíng.To realize her ambition, she did not hesitate to sacrifice her own family.
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