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想, 要, 会, 能: want, will, can

想 "would like", 要 "want / will", 会 "know how to", 能 "be able to". They go right before the main verb.

想 is soft: 我想喝水 "I would like some water". 要 is firmer and can mean "going to".

会 is a learned skill: 我会说中文. 能 is ability or permission in a situation: 我今天不能去.

Negate with 不: 不想, 不会, 不能. Note that the negative of 要 is usually 不想.

Pattern: Subject + 想 / 要 / 会 / 能 + verb

Practice this lesson

Updated October 21, 2026

Examples

• 我想去中国。 Wǒ xiǎng qù Zhōngguó.
  I would like to go to China.
• 你会开车吗？ Nǐ huì kāichē ma?
  Can you drive?

In real sentences

• 我想吃
  I would like to eat.
  Tatoeba: aye1995
• 我想死
  I want to die.
  Tatoeba: qazz0003
• 要得。
  It is feasible.
  Tatoeba: zzztat
• 幸会。
  It is a privilege to meet you.
  Tatoeba: jin1
• 快想！
  Think quickly!
  Tatoeba: LeviHighway
• 我想哭。
  I feel like crying.
  Tatoeba: fucongcong

Before this lesson

This unlocks after: HSK 1 Actions 1, The four tones.

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