Wanting to do something with "yao"
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The auxiliary verb 要 (yào) has several different meanings, and here we'll tackle the "want to" meaning. To express "wanting to do" something, use 要 (yào) before the verb.
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Structure
The verb 要 (yào) can be used as an auxiliary verb to indicate wanting to do something.
Subj. + 要 + Verb + Obj.
Examples
- 他 要 学 中文。He wants to study Chinese.
- 宝宝 要 睡觉。The baby wants to sleep.
- 早饭 我 要 吃 肉。For breakfast I want to eat meat.
- 今天 很 累，我 要 休息。 Today I'm very tired. I want to rest.
- 这 个 周末 你们 要 做什么？This weekend what do you want to do?
要 (yào) and 想 (xiǎng)
Instead of using 要 (yào) it is also possible to use the word 想 (xiǎng). These two words are both auxiliary verbs and are largely interchangeable, and both generally mean "to want." The only difference worth mentioning is that 要 (yào) is often used when it is something you want to/need to do, and plan to take action on. It can sound a bit more demanding (and less polite). 想 (xiǎng) on the other hand, is often conveys an idea on one's mind, that one may or may not take action on. You can think of it as meaning "would like to."
Examples
- 我 要 喝 咖啡 。 I am going to get my hands on some coffeeI want to drink coffee.
- 我 想 喝 咖啡 。 I want to drink a cup of coffee, but may or may not act on thatI'd like to drink coffee.
- 你 要 吃 什么 ？ What do you want to eat?
- 你 想 吃 什么 ？ What would you like to eat?
