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xiǎng 想 vs yào 要 – to think vs to want

Spoken Description

学习“想”和“要”。“想”表示想要或考虑，“要”表示更直接的需求、命令或未来打算。通过例句和比较，掌握两者的使用场景、语调和常见表达。适合初学者理解和练习基础对话。

Learn the difference between ‘想’ and ‘要’. ‘想’ shows desire or consideration; ‘要’ indicates a direct requirement, command, or future intention. Clear examples and comparisons help grasp context, tone, and common phrases—ideal for beginners.

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Mandarin uses xiǎng 想 and yào 要 to mark thinking, wanting, and planning, and they serve different roles in expressing desire versus intention.

xiǎng 想

Xiǎng 想字面意思是“思考”，用于表达想法、意图，以及礼貌的愿望——你可以用它来表示你打算做什么或你想要什么。

Xiǎng 想 literally means “to think” and is used for thoughts, intentions, and polite desires—you can use it for what you plan to do or what you would like.

yào 要

Yào 要表示“想要”、“需要”或“要求”，比 xiǎng 想表达更强烈或更迫切的欲望。

Yào 要 means “to want,” “to need,” or “to demand” and expresses stronger or more immediate desire than xiǎng 想.

Comparison

使用 xiǎng 想来表达较为温和、更深思熟虑的愿望或计划，而用 yào 要来表达更强烈、更明确的想要或需求。

Use xiǎng 想 for softer, more thoughtful desires or plans and yào 要 for clearer, stronger wants or needs.
我(would like) 去北京。我要北京车票。

I would like to go to Beijing. I want a Beijing ticket.

Compare these uses of 想 and 要: I would like to go to Beijing — I want a Beijing ticket.

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Summary

Xiǎng 想强调思考、计划或礼貌的愿望，而 yào 要则表达更强烈的渴望或需求。对于温和的意图使用 xiǎng 想，对于更明确、更迫切的欲望则使用 yào 要。

Xiǎng 想 highlights thinking, planning, or polite desire, while yào 要 expresses stronger wanting or needing; use xiǎng for gentle intentions and yào for clearer, more immediate wants.

All content was written by our AI and may contain a few mistakes. We may earn commissions on some links. Last updated: Mon Dec 8, 2025, 6:25 AM