🇨🇳 How to say

“want” in Chinese

要yào
Illustration of "want" in a Chinese cultural setting
A child points at a colorful toy on a high shelf, looking up at their parent with hopeful eyes. The parent smiles and reaches up to get it, as the child waits eagerly.

Usage note

Use 要 to express a simple desire or intention, like wanting something or planning to do an action. It’s very common in daily conversations and easy for beginners to use.

Examples

  • 我要水。

    I want water.

  • 你要吃饭吗？

    Do you want to eat?

  • 他要去学校。

    He wants to go to school.

Quick check

What does "要" mean?

  • A. want
  • B. think
  • C. close
  • D. wait

First quiz is free.

Want more?

SimpleLits Pro unlocks alternate example sentences, audio pronunciation, the full quiz pack, and save-to-deck spaced repetition.

See Pro plans

Also see