How to say “I want” in Chinese with 要 (yào)
要 (yào) + Verb
Wanting to do something with "要 (yào)"
要 (yào) + Verb
HSK 2Auxiliary verbsWanting to do something with "要 (yào)"
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 express “Wanting to do something with "要 (yào)"” in Chinese?
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
The verb/modal verb "要 (yào)" and its meanings
要 (yào) + Noun / 要 (yào) + Verb
Expressing permission with "可以 (kěyǐ)"
可以 (kěyǐ) + Verb
Expressing "be going to" with "要 (yào)"
Subj. + 要 (yào) + Verb (+ 了 (le))
Superlative "最 (zuì)"
最 (zuì) + Adj. (+ 了 (le))
Direction with "到 (dào) + place + 去 (qù)"
到 (dào) + Place + 去 (qù)
Expressing "although" with "虽然 (suīrán)" and "但是 (dànshì)"
虽然 (suīrán)⋯⋯，但是 (dànshì) / 可是 (kěshì)⋯⋯
Verbing briefly with "一下 (yíxià)"
Verb + 一下 (yíxià)
Expressing "for" with "给 (gěi)"
Subj. + 给 (gěi) + Recipient + Verb Phrase