Chinese Learning

What are the differences between 想 and 要

By ChineseSavvy

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       “要”和“想”都可以翻译成want to，后面带动词性成分。
         Both “要” and “想” can be translated as “want to,” and be followed by verbs or verbial phrases. 

          For examples:
          a.我要去上海。/我想去上海。 I want to go to Shanghai.
          b.他要买一台新电脑。/他想买一台新电脑。He wants to buy a new computer.
         
          但是，否定形式don’t want to 只能说“不想”，汉语中的“ 不要”意思是don’t need。  
          But the negative version, “does not want to” should be "不想"."不要"normally means “does not need.” 

          For examples: 
          c.他毕业后不想去公司工作。After he graduates he does not want to work in a company.
          d.我不要你帮我。I do not need your help.

          此外，“想”和“要”后面也都可以带名词性成分，但意思有很大不同，“要 + 名”意 思是想要得到或需要什么，而“想 + 名”意思是想念谁或什么。
          Additionally, if followed by a noun or a noun phrase, the meanings are quite different. "要" implies asking for something or needing something, while"想"means is translated as missing somebody or something. 

          For examples:
          e.我要两枝笔。 I want two pens.
          f.有点想家，想爸爸妈妈。  I miss my family, I miss my parents.

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