A1 Modal Verbs 9 min read Easy

Using 想 (xiǎng) to Say 'Want To' or 'Miss'

想 (xiǎng) is a versatile modal verb for expressing gentle desires and the feeling of missing someone.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use {想|xiǎng} to express desire ('want to') or emotion ('miss'), followed by a verb or a person.

  • Use {想|xiǎng} + Verb to express a desire: {我想|wǒ xiǎng} {喝水|hē shuǐ} (I want to drink water).
  • Use {想|xiǎng} + Person to express missing someone: {我想你|wǒ xiǎng nǐ} (I miss you).
  • Use {不想|bù xiǎng} for the negative: {我不想|wǒ bù xiǎng} {去|qù} (I don't want to go).
Subject + 想 + Verb/Object

Overview

Ever felt a gentle wish to do something, or missed someone far away? In Chinese, one super useful word covers both feelings: 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)). It's your go-to for expressing what you'd like to do, without being too demanding.

Think of it as the polite, dreamy cousin of other 'want' words. You might use it when you're thinking about grabbing a coffee, planning a future trip, or even just missing your dog while you're in class. It's less of a strong demand and more of a gentle thought or desire.

This makes it incredibly common in daily chats, texts with friends, and even when you're just thinking out loud. Mastering 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)) is a huge step in sounding more natural and nuanced in Mandarin. It's the difference between saying "I demand coffee!" and "You know, I could really go for a coffee right now." See?

Much smoother.

How This Grammar Works

At its core, 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)) is a modal verb, also known as an auxiliary verb. This just means it's a 'helper' verb that adds extra meaning to the main verb that follows it. Its main job is to signal a desire, a thought, or a feeling of missing someone or something.
Unlike some other grammar points, 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)) is pretty straightforward. It doesn't change its form based on who is speaking. Whether it's 我 (wǒ(wǒ), I), 你 (nǐ(nǐ), you), or 她 (tā(tā), she), 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)) stays exactly the same.
No conjugation to memorize! What a relief, right? Its meaning changes based on what comes after it.
If a verb follows 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)), it means 'want to do [verb]'. If a noun or pronoun follows it, the meaning magically shifts to 'to miss [noun/pronoun]'. It's all about context.
This dual-purpose nature is what makes it so efficient and powerful, even for beginners.

Formation Pattern

1
Let's break down how to build sentences with 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)). It's as easy as making a sandwich. Just follow these simple patterns.
2
Pattern 1: To want to do something
3
This is for expressing desires or plans.
4
Start with the Subject (the person who wants something). 我 (wǒ(wǒ) - I), 他 (tā(tā) - he), 老师 (lǎoshī(lǎoshī) - teacher).
5
Add 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)).
6
Follow it with the Verb (the action you want to do). 吃 (chī(chī) - to eat), 看 (kàn(kàn) - to watch), 学 (xué(xuéxí) - to learn).
7
Finish with an optional Object. 苹果 (píngguǒ(píngguǒ) - apple), 电影 (diànyǐng(diànyǐng) - movie), 中文 (Zhōngwén(Zhōngwén) - Chinese).
8
Formula: Subject + 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)) + Verb + (Object)
9
Example: 我 (Wǒ(Wǒ)) 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)) 吃 (chī(chī)) 冰淇淋 (bīngqílín(bīngqílín)). (I want to eat ice cream.)
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Pattern 2: To miss someone or something
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This is for when you're feeling nostalgic or lonely.
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Start with the Subject. 我 (wǒ(wǒ)), 你 (nǐ(nǐ)), etc.
13
Add 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)).
14
Follow it directly with the Person or Thing you miss (a noun or pronoun). 妈妈 (māma(māma) - mom), 我的家 (wǒ de jiā(wǒ de jiā) - my home), 你 (nǐ(nǐ) - you).
15
Formula: Subject + 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)) + Noun/Pronoun
16
Example: 他 (Tā(Tā)) 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)) 他的女朋友 (tā de nǚpéngyou(tā de nǚpéngyou)). (He misses his girlfriend.)
17
For negative sentences, just put 不 (bù(bù)) right before 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)):
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我不想去 (Wǒ bù xiǎng qù(Wǒ bù xiǎng qù)). (I don't want to go.)
19
For questions, use the 吗 (ma(ma)) particle at the end:
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你想看电影吗? (Nǐ xiǎng kàn diànyǐng ma?(Nǐ xiǎng kàn diànyǐng ma?)). (Do you want to watch a movie?)

When To Use It

You'll find yourself using 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)) all the time. It's perfect for casual, everyday situations.
  • Expressing Gentle Desires: When you're deciding what to eat for dinner with friends. 我们想吃火锅 (Wǒmen xiǎng chī huǒguō(Wǒmen xiǎng chī huǒguō) - We'd like to eat hotpot). It’s much softer than shouting, "We demand hotpot!"
  • Making Polite Suggestions: When you're asking someone out. 你周末想不想看电影? (Nǐ zhōumò xiǎng bu xiǎng kàn diànyǐng?(Nǐ zhōumò xiǎng bu xiǎng kàn diànyǐng?) - Do you want to watch a movie this weekend?). It’s gentle and gives them an easy out.
  • Talking About Your Hopes and Plans: When you're chatting about the future. 我以后想去中国 (Wǒ yǐhòu xiǎng qù Zhōngguó(Wǒ yǐhòu xiǎng qù Zhōngguó) - I want to go to China in the future). It sounds like a dream or a plan, not a scheduled flight.
  • Expressing You Miss Someone: This is a big one. When you’re texting or calling family back home. 爸爸妈妈，我好想你们 (Bàba māma, wǒ hǎo xiǎng nǐmen(Bàba māma, wǒ hǎo xiǎng nǐmen) - Mom and Dad, I miss you so much). You can't use the other 'want' word, 要 (yào(yào)), for this at all. So don't even try, or you'll sound like you're trying to order your parents on a food delivery app.
  • Thinking About Something: When you need a moment. A teacher might ask a question, and you can say 让我想一想 (Ràng wǒ xiǎng yī xiǎng(Ràng wǒ xiǎng yī xiǎng) - Let me think about it).

Common Mistakes

Even with a simple word like 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)), a few common slip-ups can happen. Let's get ahead of them.
  1. 1Mixing up 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)) and 要 (yào(yào)): This is the #1 mistake. Remember, 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)) is a wish, 要 (yào(yào)) is a stronger want or need. If you're ordering a coffee, 我要一杯咖啡 (Wǒ yào yībēi kāfēi(Wǒ yào yībēi kāfēi)) is direct and clear. 我想喝咖啡 (Wǒ xiǎng hē kāfēi(Wǒ xiǎng hē kāfēi)) is more like you're thinking about it, and it's a bit too soft for ordering.
  2. 2Using 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)) to say you want a physical object: If you want to say "I want an apple," you can't just say 我想一个苹果 (Wǒ xiǎng yīgè píngguǒ(Wǒ xiǎng yīgè píngguǒ)). That means "I miss an apple." Maybe you do, if it was a particularly good apple, but it's probably not what you mean. You need to add a verb: 我想吃一个苹果 (Wǒ xiǎng chī yīgè píngguǒ(Wǒ xiǎng chī yīgè píngguǒ) - I want to eat an apple). Or, more directly, use 要 (yào(yào)): 我要一个苹果 (Wǒ yào yīgè píngguǒ(Wǒ yào yīgè píngguǒ)).
  3. 3Forgetting 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)) means 'to miss': Learners often forget this second meaning. If your friend says 我想我的猫 (Wǒ xiǎng wǒ de māo(Wǒ xiǎng wǒ de māo)), they're not saying they want to be their cat. They're just saying they miss their furry friend. Don't worry, we've all been there.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

Let's put 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)) in a lineup with its main rival, 要 (yào(yào)), to see the difference clearly.
  • 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)) vs. 要 (yào(yào)) for 'wanting':
  • 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)): Softer desire, a thought, a wish. It's polite and a little distant. 我想学中文 (Wǒ xiǎng xué Zhōngwén(Wǒ xiǎng xué Zhōngwén)) - "I'm thinking about learning Chinese / I'd like to learn Chinese."
  • 要 (yào(yào)): Stronger intention, a need, a plan. It's more definite and can be a bit forceful. 我要学中文 (Wǒ yào xué Zhōngwén(Wǒ yào xué Zhōngwén)) - "I am going to learn Chinese / I need to learn Chinese."
  • 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)) vs. 喜欢 (xǐhuān(xǐhuān)):
  • 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)) expresses a desire to do something. It's about an action. 我想打篮球 (Wǒ xiǎng dǎ lánqiú(Wǒ xiǎng dǎ lánqiú) - I want to play basketball).
  • 喜欢 (xǐhuān(xǐhuān)) expresses a general liking or hobby. It's about a state of enjoyment. 我喜欢打篮球 (Wǒ xǐhuān dǎ lánqiú(Wǒ xǐhuān dǎ lánqiú) - I like playing basketball). You can like something without wanting to do it right now.
Think of it like this: You might 喜欢 (xǐhuān(xǐhuān)) watching horror movies (you enjoy them in general), but right now you 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)) watch a comedy because you've had a long day.

Quick FAQ

Q

Can I use 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)) to say "I think so"?

Yes! You can say 我想是吧 (Wǒ xiǎng shì ba(Wǒ xiǎng shì ba)) or just 我想是 (Wǒ xiǎng shì(Wǒ xiǎng shì)). It shows you're giving your opinion or making a guess.

Q

How do I make the 'miss' feeling stronger?

You can add an adverb like 很 (hěn(hěn)) or 好 (hǎo(hǎo)) before 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)). 我好想你 (Wǒ hǎo xiǎng nǐ(Wǒ hǎo xiǎng nǐ)) means "I miss you so much." It really amps up the emotion.

Q

Is 想 (xiǎng(xiǎng)) formal or informal?

It's pretty neutral and works in almost any situation, from texting your best friend to talking with your teacher. Because it's a bit softer than 要 (yào(yào)), it's often a safer and more polite choice if you're unsure.

Q

What if I want to do something AND I miss someone?

You'd just use two separate phrases. There's no secret grammar combo for that, sadly. 我想家，也想吃妈妈做的菜 (Wǒ xiǎng jiā, yě xiǎng chī māma zuò de cài(Wǒ xiǎng jiā, yě xiǎng chī māma zuò de cài) - I miss home, and I also want to eat my mom's cooking).

Formation of {想|xiǎng}

Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Subject + 想 + Verb
{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {去|qù} {公园|gōngyuán}
Negative
Subject + 不想 + Verb
{我不想|wǒ bù xiǎng} {去|qù} {公园|gōngyuán}
Question (吗)
Subject + 想 + Verb + 吗?
{你想|nǐ xiǎng} {去|qù} {公园|gōngyuán}吗?
Question (A-not-A)
Subject + 想不想 + Verb?
{你想不想|nǐ xiǎng bù xiǎng} {去|qù} {公园|gōngyuán}?
Missing (Person)
Subject + 想 + Person
{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {你|nǐ}
Negative (Missing)
Subject + 不想 + Person
{我不想|wǒ bù xiǎng} {你|nǐ} (rare)

Meanings

The verb {想|xiǎng} functions as a modal verb meaning 'would like to' or 'want to' when followed by a verb, and as a transitive verb meaning 'to miss' when followed by a person.

1

Volitional

Expressing a desire or intention to perform an action.

“{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {睡觉|shuìjiào}.”

“{你想|nǐ xiǎng} {看电影|kàn diànyǐng}吗?”

2

Emotional

Expressing the feeling of missing someone or something.

“{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {妈妈|māma}.”

“{你不想|nǐ bù xiǎng} {家|jiā}吗?”

Reference Table

Reference table for Using 想 (xiǎng) to Say 'Want To' or 'Miss'
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
S + 想 + V
{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {喝|hē} {咖啡|kāfēi}
Negative
S + 不想 + V
{我不想|wǒ bù xiǎng} {喝|hē} {咖啡|kāfēi}
Question
S + 想 + V + 吗
{你想|nǐ xiǎng} {喝|hē} {咖啡|kāfēi}吗}
A-not-A
S + 想不想 + V
{你想不想|nǐ xiǎng bù xiǎng} {喝|hē} {咖啡|kāfēi}
Missing
S + 想 + O
{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {妈妈|māma}
Thinking
S + 想 + O
{我|wǒ} {想|xiǎng} {问题|wèntí}

Formality Spectrum

Formal
{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {用餐|yòngcān}.

{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {用餐|yòngcān}. (Dining)

Neutral
{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {吃饭|chī fàn}.

{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {吃饭|chī fàn}. (Dining)

Informal
{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {吃|chī}.

{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {吃|chī}. (Dining)

Slang
{想|xiǎng} {吃|chī}!

{想|xiǎng} {吃|chī}! (Dining)

The Two Faces of {想|xiǎng}

{想|xiǎng}

Desire

  • {想|xiǎng} {做|zuò} want to do

Emotion

  • {想|xiǎng} {人|rén} miss someone

Cognition

  • {想|xiǎng} {问题|wèntí} think about a problem
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Examples by Level

1

{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {喝水|hē shuǐ}.

I want to drink water.

2

{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {你|nǐ}.

I miss you.

3

{你|nǐ} {想|xiǎng} {去|qù}吗?

Do you want to go?

4

{我不想|wǒ bù xiǎng} {吃|chī}.

I don't want to eat.

1

{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {明天|míngtiān} {去|qù} {学校|xuéxiào}.

I want to go to school tomorrow.

2

{你想不想|nǐ xiǎng bù xiǎng} {看|kàn} {电影|diànyǐng}?

Do you want to watch a movie?

3

{他很想|tā hěn xiǎng} {家|jiā}.

He misses home very much.

4

{我们|wǒmen} {都|dōu} {想|xiǎng} {学|xué} {中文|zhōngwén}.

We all want to learn Chinese.

1

{我|wǒ} {一直|yīzhí} {想|xiǎng} {去|qù} {长城|chángchéng}.

I have always wanted to go to the Great Wall.

2

{你|nǐ} {想|xiǎng} {什么|shénme} {呢|ne}?

What are you thinking about?

3

{我|wǒ} {想|xiǎng} {他|tā} {可能|kěnéng} {不|bù} {来|lái}了.

I think he might not come.

4

{别|bié} {想|xiǎng} {太多|tài duō}了.

Don't think too much.

1

{我|wǒ} {本想|běn xiǎng} {帮忙|bāngmáng}, {但|dàn} {没|méi} {时间|shíjiān}.

I originally wanted to help, but I didn't have time.

2

{这|zhè} {让|ràng} {我|wǒ} {想|xiǎng} {起|qǐ} {了|le} {童年|tóngnián}.

This reminds me of my childhood.

3

{你|nǐ} {想|xiǎng} {清楚|qīngchǔ} {了|le}吗?

Have you thought it through?

4

{他|tā} {想|xiǎng} {要|yào} {一个|yīgè} {新|xīn} {工作|gōngzuò}.

He wants a new job.

1

{我|wǒ} {想|xiǎng} {这|zhè} {是|shì} {最好|zuìhǎo} {的|de} {办法|bànfǎ}.

I think this is the best method.

2

{他|tā} {想|xiǎng} {方|fāng} {设|shè} {法|fǎ} {解决|jiějué} {问题|wèntí}.

He is trying every possible way to solve the problem.

3

{我|wǒ} {想|xiǎng} {你|nǐ} {一定|yīdìng} {会|huì} {成功|chénggōng} {的|de}.

I believe you will definitely succeed.

4

{别|bié} {想|xiǎng} {当然|dāngrán} {了|le}.

Don't take it for granted.

1

{这|zhè} {种|zhǒng} {想法|xiǎngfǎ} {很|hěn} {有|yǒu} {见地|jiàndì}.

This way of thinking is very insightful.

2

{他|tā} {陷入|xiànrù} {了|le} {沉思|chénsī}, {想|xiǎng} {着|zhe} {未来|wèilái}.

He fell into deep thought, thinking about the future.

3

{我|wǒ} {想|xiǎng} {来|lái} {想|xiǎng} {去|qù}, {还是|háishì} {放弃|fàngqì} {了|le}.

I thought about it over and over, and finally gave up.

4

{这|zhè} {不|bù} {是|shì} {我|wǒ} {想|xiǎng} {要|yào} {的|de} {结果|jiéguǒ}.

This is not the result I wanted.

Easily Confused

Using 想 (xiǎng) to Say 'Want To' or 'Miss' vs {想|xiǎng} vs {要|yào}

Both mean 'want'.

Using 想 (xiǎng) to Say 'Want To' or 'Miss' vs {想|xiǎng} vs {想念|xiǎngniàn}

Both mean 'miss'.

Using 想 (xiǎng) to Say 'Want To' or 'Miss' vs {想|xiǎng} vs {觉得|juéde}

Both can mean 'think'.

Common Mistakes

✗

{我没想|wǒ méi xiǎng} {去|qù}

✓

{我不想|wǒ bù xiǎng} {去|qù}

Use {不|bù} for negation.
✗

{我想|wǒ xiǎng}

✓

{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {做|zuò} {某事|mǒushì}

Need a verb after {想|xiǎng}.
✗

{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {买|mǎi} {苹果|píngguǒ} {吗|ma}

✓

{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {买|mǎi} {苹果|píngguǒ}

Don't use {吗|ma} in statements.
✗

{我|wǒ} {想|xiǎng} {去|qù} {吗|ma}

✓

{你想|nǐ xiǎng} {去|qù} {吗|ma}

Subject-verb agreement in questions.
✗

{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {了|le} {你|nǐ}

✓

{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {你|nǐ}

No aspect marker needed for 'miss'.
✗

{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {要|yào} {去|qù}

✓

{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {去|qù}

Don't double up modal verbs.
✗

{他|tā} {想|xiǎng} {很|hěn} {多|duō}

✓

{他|tā} {想|xiǎng} {得|de} {很|hěn} {多|duō}

Need complement marker.
✗

{我|wǒ} {想|xiǎng} {去|qù} {的|de} {地方|dìfāng}

✓

{我|wǒ} {想|xiǎng} {去|qù} {的|de} {地方|dìfāng}

This is correct, but ensure context is clear.
✗

{他|tā} {想|xiǎng} {是|shì} {对|duì} {的|de}

✓

{我|wǒ} {想|xiǎng} {他|tā} {是|shì} {对|duì} {的|de}

Word order for 'I think'.
✗

{想|xiǎng} {起来|qǐlái} {了|le}

✓

{想|xiǎng} {起来|qǐlái} {了|le}

Correct, but ensure usage is appropriate.
✗

{想|xiǎng} {当然|dāngrán}

✓

{想|xiǎng} {当然|dāngrán} {了|le}

Idiomatic usage requires specific particles.
✗

{他|tā} {想|xiǎng} {方|fāng} {设|shè} {法|fǎ} {去|qù}

✓

{他|tā} {想方设法|xiǎngfāngshèfǎ} {去|qù}

Idiom must be used as a unit.
✗

{我|wǒ} {想|xiǎng} {你|nǐ} {会|huì} {知道|zhīdào}

✓

{我|wǒ} {想|xiǎng} {你|nǐ} {会|huì} {知道|zhīdào}

Correct, but check tone.

Sentence Patterns

{我想|wǒ xiǎng} ___.

{我不想|wǒ bù xiǎng} ___.

{我想|wǒ xiǎng} ___ {你|nǐ}.

{你想不想|nǐ xiǎng bù xiǎng} ___?

Real World Usage

Ordering food constant

{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {点|diǎn} {这个|zhège}.

Texting friends very common

{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {你|nǐ} {了|le}!

Job interview common

{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {申请|shēnqǐng} {这个|zhège} {工作|gōngzuò}.

Travel planning common

{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {去|qù} {北京|běijīng}.

Social media very common

{我|wǒ} {想|xiǎng} {分享|fēnxiǎng} {这个|zhège}.

Classroom common

{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {问|wèn} {一个|yīgè} {问题|wèntí}.

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💡

Keep it simple

Don't overthink the grammar. Just put {想|xiǎng} before the verb.
⚠️

Negation

Always use {不|bù} for {想|xiǎng}. Never use {没|méi}.
🎯

Politeness

Use {想|xiǎng} instead of {要|yào} to sound more polite.
💬

Missing someone

Saying {我想你|wǒ xiǎng nǐ} is a very common way to show affection.

Smart Tips

Use {想|xiǎng} instead of {要|yào}.

{我要|wǒ yào} {喝|hē} {水|shuǐ}. → {我想|wǒ xiǎng} {喝|hē} {水|shuǐ}.

Always use {不|bù}.

{我没想|wǒ méi xiǎng} {去|qù}. → {我不想|wǒ bù xiǎng} {去|qù}.

Use A-not-A for variety.

{你想|nǐ xiǎng} {去|qù} {吗|ma}? → {你想不想|nǐ xiǎng bù xiǎng} {去|qù}?

Add {很|hěn} before {想|xiǎng}.

{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {你|nǐ}. → {我|wǒ} {很|hěn} {想|xiǎng} {你|nǐ}.

Pronunciation

xiǎng (3rd tone)

Tone

{想|xiǎng} is a third tone. When followed by another third tone, it changes to a second tone.

Question

{你想|nǐ xiǎng} {去|qù}吗? ↑

Rising intonation at the end for questions.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the character {想|xiǎng} as a 'heart' (心) under a 'tree' (木/相). Your heart is thinking about someone or wanting something.

Visual Association

Imagine a person sitting under a tree, looking at the moon, feeling 'heart-wants' (missing) their family.

Rhyme

Want to do it? Use {想|xiǎng}. Miss your friend? Use {想|xiǎng}.

Story

Xiao Ming is sitting under a tree. He feels a desire in his heart. He wants to eat an apple, so he says '我想吃苹果'. Then he thinks of his mom, so he says '我想妈妈'.

Word Web

{想|xiǎng} {要|yào}{想|xiǎng} {念|niàn}{想|xiǎng} {法|fǎ}{想|xiǎng} {起|qǐ}{想|xiǎng} {象|xiàng}{想|xiǎng} {通|tōng}

Challenge

For the next 5 minutes, write down 3 things you want to do today and 1 person you miss using {想|xiǎng}.

Cultural Notes

Using {想|xiǎng} is considered polite and indirect, which is highly valued in Chinese culture.

Similar usage, but often with more particles like {啊|a} or {喔|o} at the end.

Often mixed with Cantonese, but the grammar for {想|xiǎng} remains the same in Mandarin.

The character {想|xiǎng} combines {心|xīn} (heart) and {相|xiāng} (mutual/appearance). It originally meant to think about or reflect on something in one's heart.

Conversation Starters

“

{你|nǐ} {想|xiǎng} {去|qù} {哪里|nǎlǐ} {旅游|lǚyóu}?

“

{你|nǐ} {想|xiǎng} {学|xué} {什么|shénme}?

“

{你|nǐ} {想|xiǎng} {吃|chī} {什么|shénme} {中国|zhōngguó} {菜|cài}?

“

{你|nǐ} {想|xiǎng} {在|zài} {中国|zhōngguó} {工作|gōngzuò}吗?

Journal Prompts

Write 3 things you want to do this weekend.
Describe a person you miss and why.
What are your goals for learning Chinese?
Reflect on a decision you made recently.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

{我|wǒ} ___ {去|qù} {看|kàn} {电影|diànyǐng}.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 想
{想|xiǎng} expresses desire.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我想去
Affirmative structure.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

{我|wǒ} {没|méi} {想|xiǎng} {喝|hē} {水|shuǐ}.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我不想喝水
Negate with {不|bù}.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我想去公园
Subject-Verb-Object.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

I miss you.

Answer starts with: 我想你...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我想你
{想|xiǎng} means miss.
What does {想|xiǎng} mean here? Multiple Choice

{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {妈妈|māma}.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I miss Mom
{想|xiǎng} + person = miss.
Fill in the blank.

{你|nǐ} ___ {去|qù} {吗|ma}?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 想
Question structure.
Make negative. Sentence Transformation

{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {睡觉|shuìjiào}.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我不想睡觉
Negate with {不|bù}.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

{我|wǒ} ___ {去|qù} {看|kàn} {电影|diànyǐng}.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 想
{想|xiǎng} expresses desire.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我想去
Affirmative structure.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

{我|wǒ} {没|méi} {想|xiǎng} {喝|hē} {水|shuǐ}.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我不想喝水
Negate with {不|bù}.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

{去|qù} / {想|xiǎng} / {我|wǒ} / {公园|gōngyuán}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我想去公园
Subject-Verb-Object.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

I miss you.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我想你
{想|xiǎng} means miss.
What does {想|xiǎng} mean here? Multiple Choice

{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {妈妈|māma}.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I miss Mom
{想|xiǎng} + person = miss.
Fill in the blank.

{你|nǐ} ___ {去|qù} {吗|ma}?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 想
Question structure.
Make negative. Sentence Transformation

{我想|wǒ xiǎng} {睡觉|shuìjiào}.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我不想睡觉
Negate with {不|bù}.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

11 exercises
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

他 ___ 回家，因为他很累。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 想
Find and fix the mistake. Error Correction

我们很要我们的朋友。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我们很想我们的朋友。
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

电影 / 去 / 我 / 不想 / 看

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我不想去看电影。
Translate the following sentence into Chinese. Translation

Do you want to learn Chinese?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 你想学中文吗？
Choose the best response. Multiple Choice

A: 你想家吗？ (Nǐ xiǎng jiā ma? - Do you miss home?) B: ____

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 是的，我有点儿想家。
Match the Chinese phrases to their English meanings. Match Pairs

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: [["\u60f3\u5403","Want to eat"],["\u60f3\u5bb6","Miss home"],["\u4e0d\u60f3\u53bb","Don't want to go"],["\u60f3\u4e00\u60f3","Think for a moment"]]
Complete the dialogue. Fill in the Blank

A: 你在做什么？ B: 我在___晚上吃什么。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 想
Find and fix the mistake. Error Correction

我不想你。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: This sentence is correct.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

好 / 我 / 妈妈 / 想 / 我的

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我好想我的妈妈。
Which question is the A-not-A version of '你想喝咖啡吗'? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct A-not-A question.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 你想不想喝咖啡？
Translate the following sentence into Chinese. Translation

He doesn't want to see a doctor.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他不想看医生。

Score: /11

FAQ (8)

It's very versatile, but use {要|yào} for firm demands and {觉得|juéde} for opinions.

It depends on what follows. {想|xiǎng} + Verb = want; {想|xiǎng} + Person = miss.

It's neutral and very common in daily life.

No, always use {不想|bù xiǎng}.

Yes, it can mean 'to think' or 'to consider'.

Use {吗|ma} at the end or the A-not-A form {想不想|xiǎng bù xiǎng}.

No, it stays the same for all subjects.

You can say {我不想|wǒ bù xiǎng} {你|nǐ}, but it's a bit blunt.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Spanish high

Querer

No conjugation in Chinese.

French high

Vouloir

One word in Chinese covers both 'want' and 'miss'.

German moderate

Möchten

Chinese {想|xiǎng} also means 'to miss'.

Japanese partial

～たい

Chinese uses a separate word, not a suffix.

Arabic moderate

أريد

Arabic has gendered forms.

Chinese n/a

想

None.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Polite Desires: Using 想 (xiǎng) to Want, Think, and Miss
Next
Polite Desires: Using 想 (xiǎng) for 'Would Like To'

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