How to say “I want” in Chinese with 要 (yào)
要 (yào) + Verb
要 (yào) — wanting to do something
要 (yào) + Verb
HSK 2Auxiliary verbs要 (yào) — wanting to do something
Rule structure
要 (yào) is used to express a desire or wish to do something, equivalent to "want to" in English. It is followed directly by a verb. (Note: 想 (xiǎng) is often used for softer desires).
Rule structure
要 (yào) is used to express a desire or wish to do something, equivalent to "want to" in English. It is followed directly by a verb. (Note: 想 (xiǎng) is often used for softer desires).
Examples
我要学中文。
Wǒ yào xué Zhōngwén.
I want to study Chinese.
Examples
我要学中文。
Wǒ yào xué Zhōngwén.
I want to study Chinese.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you say “wanting to do something” in Chinese with 要?
Use the structure: 要 (yào) + Verb. For example: 我要学中文。 — “I want to study Chinese.”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
我要学中文。 — “I want to study Chinese.”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 2.
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More HSK 2 grammar rules
要 — want, need, going to
要 (yào) + Noun / 要 (yào) + Verb
可以 — permission, may
可以 (kěyǐ) + Verb
要 — be going to, will
Subj. + 要 (yào) + Verb (+ 了 (le))
最 — superlative “most”
最 (zuì) + Adj. (+ 了 (le))
到 — direction with “to go to”
到 (dào) + Place + 去 (qù)
虽然 — although… but…
虽然 (suīrán)⋯⋯，但是 (dànshì) / 可是 (kěshì)⋯⋯
一下 — verbing briefly
Verb + 一下 (yíxià)
给 — for (someone)
Subj. + 给 (gěi) + Recipient + Verb Phrase