How to Say ‘I want’ in Traditional Chinese
我要
wǒ yào
[wǒ yào]
💬 Usage Tip: 我要 (wǒ yào) plus a thing is the quickest way to order or ask for something: 我要這個 "I want this one", 我要一杯咖啡 "I want a cup of coffee".
🇹🇼 In Taiwan: At counters and food stalls in Taiwan, 我要 is completely normal and not rude. Add 請 "please" or end with 謝謝 "thank you" if you want to sound softer.
Phrase Breakdown
我
wǒ
[wǒ]
I/me
Pronoun for oneself.
我明天會去上課。
I will attend the class tomorrow.
要
yào
[yào]
want
To desire or wish for something.
他不要這些東西。
He does not want these things.
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