Expressing "would like to" with "xiang"

If you "would like to" express something "you would like to do", then 想 is the verb for you.

Structure

The verb 想 (xiǎng) can be used to express "would like to". In this case it's an auxiliary verb. The structure is:

Subject + 想 + Verb + Object

Examples

• 我 想 喝 啤酒。I would like to drink beer.
• 他 想 回家。I would like to return home.
• 他 想 吃 葡萄。I would like to eat grapes.

See also

• Wanting to do something with yao

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