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How to Say ‘Want; need; to want to’ in Simplified Chinese

yào

[yaow]

💬 Usage Tip: [要] can mean "want," but in questions like [要…吗?] it often means "need to" or "should." For example, [要等吗?] means "do I need to wait?"

Phrase Breakdown

yào

[yaow]

to want; to need; going to

A very common word used for wanting something, needing something, or future intention.

Example

你要咖啡吗?

Do you want coffee?

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