Chinese phrases
How to say I want in Chinese
I want in Chinese is 我要 (wǒ yào). When you order or buy something, say 我要 and the thing: 我要这个, “I’ll have this.”
我要
I want; I’ll have
To a waiter or a shop assistant, 我要 is normal and polite enough. A friendly tone and a 谢谢 at the end do the rest.
Ways to say I want
我要
EverydayI want; I’ll have
To order or buy: 我要这个, 我要两杯. It is how most people order.
我想要
EverydayI’d like
Softer than 我要. For things you would like to have, and for wishes: a new phone, a holiday.
我想
EverydayI want to; I’d like to
Before a verb: 我想喝水, “I’d like some water.” Not before a thing on its own.
来一个
EverydayI’ll have one
Ordering food and drinks. Use the right measure word for the order: 来一碗, a bowl; 来一杯, a cup.
给我
Everydaygive me
Direct and common at small shops and stalls, and with family and friends. Put 麻烦 in front to make it softer.
麻烦给我
Everydaycould I have …, please
A polite request to staff for something extra: chopsticks, a napkin, the menu.
How to say you don’t want it
不要
I don’t want it
Short and clear. With a smile, it is fine to a street seller who follows you.
不用了
no thanks, I’m fine
The polite way to say no to an offer: a bag, a refill, more food. Add 谢谢.
我不想要
I don’t really want it
Softer than 不要. With friends and family.
Common mistakes
Thinking 我要 is rude
In English, “I want” can sound demanding. In Chinese, 我要 is the normal way to order. You do not need 请 in front.
我想 before a thing
我想 needs a verb after it. With a person or a thing, it means “I miss”: 我想你 is “I miss you.” For coffee, say 我想喝咖啡 or 我想要咖啡.
Ordering with 我需要
需要 means “to need.” 我需要一杯咖啡 sounds like you really need it. To order, say 我要 or 来一杯.
At a café
您好，要点什么？
Barista: Hi, what can I get you?
我要一杯拿铁。
Leon: I’ll have a latte.
热的还是冰的？
Barista: Hot or iced?
冰的，谢谢。
Leon: Iced, thanks.
