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How to Say ‘I want’ in Traditional Chinese

我想要

wǒ xiǎng yào

[waw shyang yow]

💬 Usage Tip: [想要] is a common polite way to say what you'd like, softer than just [要]. You can use the same pattern with almost any item: [我想要小杯] or [我想要燕麥奶].

Phrase Breakdown

[waw]

I; me

The first-person pronoun used when stating your own order or preference.

Example

我想要燕麥奶拿鐵。

I want an oat milk latte.

想要

xiǎng yào

[shyang yow]

want; would like

A common phrase meaning "want" or "would like." It is natural when ordering food or drinks.

Example

我想要無糖的,而且想要豆奶。

I’d like it unsweetened, and I’d like soy milk.

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