Auxiliary verb "yao" and its multiple meanings
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Level
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Similar to
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Used for
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Keywords
You probably already know the basic meaning of 要 (yào): "to want." It's actually a quite versatile word, though, and can also take on the meanings of "to need" as will as "will (do something)." In every case, context is very important for figuring out which meaning someone is trying to express.
Contents
要 as "want to"
In Chinese, 要 (yào), the verb "to want" doesn't quite function like the English. It means "want to" (similar to 想), but its tone is quite firm.
Structure
Subject + 要 + Verb
Examples
- 我 要 吃饭。 I want to eat.
- 她 要 和 啤酒 。(this sentence could be used ordering in a resaurant)I want to drink beer.
- 我 要 跟 你 一起 去 。 I want to go with you.
要 as "need to"
, so that can sound more like "going to" (like 会). It's specific meaning often depends on context.
Structure
In Chinese, 要 (yào), the verb "to want" doesn't quite function like the English. It means "want to" (similar to 想), but its tone is quite firm
Subject + 要 + Verb
Examples
- 太 晚 了 ，我 要 回家 了。 (This could possibly mean "want"; depends on the urgency of the speaker)It's too late; I need to go home.
- 明天 我们 要 上班 。(logically, most people don't really WANT to work)We need to work tomorrow.
- 你 要 付钱 。 (No one WANTS to pay, right?)You need to pay.
要 as "going to"
This use of 要 is like "going to" (similar to 会).
Structure
In Chinese, 要 (yào), the verb "to want" doesn't quite function like the English. It means "want to" (similar to 想), but its tone is quite firm
Subject + 要 + Verb
Examples
- 星期五 我们 要 开 一 个 会。 (This could possibly mean "need"; but honestly, you rarely NEED to have a meeting, right?)Friday we're going to have a meeting.
- 明年 要 毕业 了 。 (Notice the use of a time word for the future)I'm going to graduate next year.
- 明天 我 要 回国 。(This could also mean "need," depending on context)I'm going back to my country tomorrow.
See also
Sources and further reading
Books
- Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (pp. 154-5) →buy
