If you wish to convey a sense of desire in Chinese, you have three options in your toolbox: 想 (xiǎng), 要 (yào), and 想要 (xiǎngyào), all of which can be translated as “to want.” The choice among them hinges on the context and the specific nuance you aim to capture. It’s worth noting that these words also carry other meanings, so being attentive to their various uses is important. Let’s delve into each one more closely.
How to use 想
1. 想 as “would like to do something”
You can use either 想、要 or 想要 to express a desire to do something, but 想 is the least forceful of the three. It is similar to the difference between “I want to” and “I would like to” in English.
- 我想吃鸡肉炒饭。（Wǒ xiǎng chī jīròu chǎofàn.）I would like some chicken fried rice.
- 我们想去咖啡馆。（Wǒmen xiǎng qù kāfēiguǎn.）We would like to go to the coffee shop.
2. 想 as “to think”
- 我想一想。 （Wǒ xiǎng yīxiǎng.）Let me think.
- 我想了很久。（Wǒ xiǎng le hěn jiǔ.) I’ve thought about this for a long time.
3. 想 as “to miss or think of”
- 我想你了。 (Wǒ xiǎng nǐ le.) I miss you.
- 她想妈妈了。(Tā xiǎng māma le.) She misses her mom.
How to use 要
1. 要 as “to want something”
You can often use “想要” to mean the same thing, but you cannot use “想” in this way.
- 我要一杯咖啡。 (Wǒ yào yī bēi kāfēi.) I want a cup of coffee.
- 你为什么要这双运动鞋？(Nǐ wèishénme yào zhè shuāng yùndòngxié?) Why do you want this pair of sneakers?
2. 要 as “to want to/need to do something”
Use “要” when you have more than just a desire to do something but also an intention to do it. “要” can also show a need or requirement, and in that context, you can use the word “需要” instead.
- 我要去图书馆学习。 (Wǒ yào qù túshūguǎn xuéxí.) I need to go to the library to study.
- 奶奶要给我买衣服。（Nǎinai yào gěi wǒ mǎi yīfu.) Grandma wants to buy me some clothes.
3. 要 as “to be going to do something”
要 is a common way of expressing future tense and that an action will happen according to plan.
- 明天我要去北京出差。 （Míngtiān wǒyào qù běijīng chūchāi.）Tomorrow I’m going to Beijing on a business trip.
- 我们今晚要去饭馆吃饭。(Wǒmen jīnwǎn yào qù fànguǎn chīfàn.) Tonight we’re going to a restaurant to eat.
How to use 想要
1. 想要 as “to want something”
- 我想要一件新外套。（Wǒ xiǎngyào yí jiàn xīn wàitào.）I want a new jacket.
- 我们都想要快乐。（Wǒmen dōu xiǎngyào kuàilè.）We all want happiness.
2. 想要 as “to want to do something”
Like “要” you can use “想要” to convey a strong desire to do something (the strongest of the three). However, unlike “要” you cannot use it to express “the need to do something”.
- 我想要学习钢琴。 (Wǒ xiǎngyào xuéxí gāngqín.) I want to learn to play the piano.
- 他想要打赢。(Tā xiǎngyào dǎyíng.) He want to win.
3. 想要 as “to want someone” (sexually)
- 他想要她。 (Tā xiǎngyào tā.) He desires her.
- 我想要你。(Wǒ xiǎngyào nǐ.) I want you.
Please note that the context and tone of the sentences are important, especially in the case of the third usage of “想要,” as it can carry a more intimate or sensual connotation.
Check your understanding
Let’s apply what you just learnt to answer some questions.