Expressing "would like to" with "xiang"

If you want to express something that "you would like to do" 想 (xiǎng) will be a very helpful verb to know. Differing from 要 (yào), learning 想 (xiǎng) will give you another option when you want to articulate a desire.

想 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

  • 晚上 你 酒吧 吗?Wǎnshang nǐ xiǎng jiǔibā ma? I would like to go to the bar.
  • 意大利面。 xiǎng chī yìdàlìmiàn. I would like to eat spaghetti.
  • 老板 我。 Lǎobǎn xiǎng jiàn wǒ. The boss would like to see me.
  • 我 老婆 一 个 大 房子 。 Wǒ lǎopó xiǎng mǎi yī gè dà fángzi. My wife would like to buy a big apartment.
  • 这个 周末 你们 出去 玩 吗? Zhè ge zhōumò nǐmen xiǎng chūqù wán ma? Would you like to go out and have fun?

Negating 想 sentence

Structure

Subj. + 不 + 想 + Verb + Obj.

Examples

  • 不 想 bù xiǎng . I would not like to go.
  • 不 想 啤酒 。 bù xiǎng píjiǔ. I would not like to drink beer.
  • 不 想 家 。 bù xiǎng huí jiā. He doesn't want to return home.
  • 不 想 咖啡 吗 ? bù xiǎng kāfēi ma? Wouldn't you like to drink coffee?
  • 不 想 车 。 bù xiǎng mǎi chē. I don't want to buy a car.

See also

Sources and Further Reading

Books

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