Grammar · Chapter 6
想 and 要 + verb: want to
想 / 要 + verb
想 + verb is “would like to”, the softer one; 要 + verb is “want to, going to”, firmer.
Examples
- 我想喝茶。 Wǒ xiǎng hē chá. I'd like some tea.
- 你想吃什么？ Nǐ xiǎng chī shénme? What would you like to eat?
- 我要吃包子。 Wǒ yào chī bāozi. I'm going to have baozi.