A2 · Grammar reference · ASG95AL1
Auxiliary verb "yao" and its multiple meanings You probably already know the basic meaning of 要 (yào) as "to want." It is actually a quite versatile word, though, and can also take on the meanings of "to need" as well as "will (do something)." In every case, context is crucial for figuring out which meaning someone is trying to express.
Structure
Subj. + 要 + Noun
Subj. + 要 + Verb
Keywords 要 · want · need · go · will
Used for Referring to the future · Expressing determination · Expressing desires
Classification Verbs · HSK2 Examples (20) Add all sentences to My sentences What do you want? Illustrates Auxiliary verb "yao" and its multiple meanings with 要. I want a cup of water. Illustrates Auxiliary verb "yao" and its multiple meanings with 要. Do you all want coke with ice? Illustrates Auxiliary verb "yao" and its multiple meanings with 要. Do you want tea or coffee? Illustrates Auxiliary verb "yao" and its multiple meanings with 要. We want three bowls of rice. Illustrates Auxiliary verb "yao" and its multiple meanings with 要. What kind of wine do you want to drink? Illustrates Auxiliary verb "yao" and its multiple meanings with 要. Dad wants to buy a new cell phone. Illustrates Auxiliary verb "yao" and its multiple meanings with 要. I want to go with you. Illustrates Auxiliary verb "yao" and its multiple meanings with 要. She wants to go to a big city to find a job. Illustrates Auxiliary verb "yao" and its multiple meanings with 要. Do you want to go see a movie together this weekend? Illustrates Auxiliary verb "yao" and its multiple meanings with 要. You need to go to bed earlier. Illustrates Auxiliary verb "yao" and its multiple meanings with 要. We need to work tomorrow. Illustrates Auxiliary verb "yao" and its multiple meanings with 要. Today the boss needs to see a new client. Illustrates Auxiliary verb "yao" and its multiple meanings with 要. The teacher is too tired. She needs to rest well. Illustrates Auxiliary verb "yao" and its multiple meanings with 要. It's going to rain tomorrow; you need to bring an umbrella. Illustrates Auxiliary verb "yao" and its multiple meanings with 要. We are going to have a meeting on Friday. Illustrates Auxiliary verb "yao" and its multiple meanings with 要. I am going to go eat at 12 o'clock. Illustrates Auxiliary verb "yao" and its multiple meanings with 要. Is the boss going on a business trip next week? Illustrates Auxiliary verb "yao" and its multiple meanings with 要. They are going to get married next year. Illustrates Auxiliary verb "yao" and its multiple meanings with 要. Are you going to return home this year to celebrate the Chinese New Year? Illustrates Auxiliary verb "yao" and its multiple meanings with 要. Further resources
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