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How to say I want
May 30, 2007 15:15
  • DAVEC
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Can someone tell me the difference between wo yao and wo xiang when saying I want something. When should I use either one?
May 30, 2007 20:43
#1  
  • LEONARDO
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In Chinese, yao(要) or xiang(想) is usually combined with other verbs together to express future plans, actions or hopes .Maybe, it is better to give you some examples.

"Wo yao qu Beijing"(我要去北京) means that you plan to go to Beijing, or you are leaving for Beijing. " wo yao" refers to sth that is certain (or very likely) to happen.

"Wo xiang qu Beijing"(我想去北京)means that you hope/dream/wish to visit Beijing. It is only a dream or wish. It may come true,or may not. "wo xiang" often refers to a wish or dream .

Additionally,"yao(要)" is often used as a transitive verb. For instance, "wo yao yi bei shui"( 我要一杯)indicates that " i want/need a cup of water".

Hopefully, the above will be useful for you.
May 31, 2007 00:02
#2  
  • DAVEC
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Thank you. I think similar in English we would say either 'I want' or 'I would like'
May 31, 2007 01:18
#3  
  • MAY001
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Yes, Leonardo is right. wo xiang is less certain than wo yao.
Jun 1, 2007 03:54
#4  
  • JABAROOTOO
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Yes Mike,
'wo xiang' compares more with 'I would like somthing and would be considered mor polite. I learnt 'wo yao' first and I find it hard to use 'wo xiang' where it would be more appropriate.
Jun 12, 2007 11:28
#5  
  • YITION
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I try to explain, but i found it's too difficult, the meaning is the same as I WANT~

WO YAO YI BEI CHA---------i want a cup of tea(我要一杯茶）-------tell a waiter.
WO XIANG YAO YI BEI CHA -------------I want a cup of tea（我想要一杯茶）-------tell a friend.
WO YAO FENG LE----------i'm going crazy（我要疯了）
WO YAO HUI JIA ----------i wan to go home.（我要回家）
WO XIANG HUI JIA---------i want to go home（我想回家）.

Some difference, i'm trying to explain the difference.
Jun 13, 2007 17:13
#6  
  • DAVEC
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No matter, at least now i know how to say 'i'm going crazy'
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