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Today, we're here to clarify the disparities among "要", "想", and "想要".
While they all convey a sense of "want", their distinctions have puzzled some Chinese language learners regarding their correct usage. Let's delve into these three terms, unravel their nuances, and engage in some exercises toward the end of the discussion. Come join us, and together, let's refine your Chinese proficiency!
First, besides having the meaning “to want”, “想” and “要” have other meanings too.
想
① Think
For example:
让我想一想。
Ràng wǒ xiǎng yi xiǎng
Let me think.
② Miss
For example:
我想你。
Wǒ xiǎng nǐ.
I miss you.
① Something is going to happen
For example:
我女朋友明天要来我家。
Wǒ nǚpéngyou míngtiān yào lái wǒ jiā.
My girl friend will come to my home tomorrow.
Now we are going to talk about the difference when they have same meaning as “want”. "Strong" VS "Soft" "要" is more stronger, and more eager; "想" is more soft, polite. And like a wish or thinking to do. For example: · 我要买玩具。Wǒ yào mǎi wánjù. I want to buy some toys. · 我想买玩具。Wǒ xiǎng mǎi wánjù. I want to buy some toys. Followed by a noun "要" can be followed by a noun; "想" cannot be followed by a noun. For example: √ 我要一杯咖啡。 Wǒ yào yībēi kāfēi. × 我想一杯咖啡。 Wǒ xiǎng yībēi kāfēi. √ 我想要一杯咖啡。 Wǒ xiǎng yào yībēi kāfēi As a result, if you really want to use "想" with "a noun", you can put them together and use "想要". But when "想要" is followed by a verb, here it is a mix of "想" and "要". You don’t need to worry much when using "想要", because this word can be followed by both nouns and verbs. We like to use "想要" with nouns more.
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