Expressing "would like to" with "xiang"
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Level
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Similar to
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Used for
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Keywords
If you want to express something that you "would like to do," 想 (xiǎng) will be a very helpful auxiliary verb to know. Although similar to 要 (yào), 想 (xiǎng) will give you another more tactful option when you want to articulate a desire.
Contents
想 (xiǎng) Sentence
Structure
The verb 想 (xiǎng) can be used to express "would like to." In this case it's an auxiliary verb. The structure is:
Subj. + 想 + Verb + Obj.
Examples
- 我 想 吃 面。 I would like to eat noodles.
- 你 想 喝 水 吗？ Would you like to drink some water?
- 我们 想 看 电视。 We would like to watch TV.
- 他 想 买 一 个 大 房子。 He would like to buy a big apartment.
- 你 想 去 酒吧 吗？ Would you like to go to the bar?
Negating 想 (xiǎng) Sentence
Structure
Subj. + 不 + 想 + Verb + Obj.
Examples
- 他们 不 想 去 酒吧。 They wouldn't like to go to the bar.
- 你 不 想 认识 这个 美女 吗？ Would you not like to know this beautiful lady?
- 我 不 想 回家。 I wouldn't like to return home.
- 那个 地方 很 近，我 不 想 开车。 That place is so close. I would not like to drive.
- 他 不 想 花 父母 的 钱。 He would not like to spend his parents' money.
See also
Sources and Further Reading
Books
- Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (pp. 112-3) →buy
- New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1) (pp. 179-80) →buy
- New Practical Chinese Reader 1 (新实用汉语课本1)(2nd ed) (pp. 207) →buy
Websites
- Yale Chinese Usage Dictionary: The Uses of 想
