to want; to think; to miss
HSK level
想 is written with 13 strokes. The animation replays automatically.
想 (xiǎng) is one of the most versatile HSK 1 verbs.
It carries three related senses that English splits across separate words. (1) 'To want to / would like to' — followed by another verb: 我想去 ('I want to go'), 我想吃饭 ('I'd like to eat'). This is softer than 要 (yào, 'want / will'); 想 expresses a wish or inclination, while 要 expresses a firmer want or plan. (2) 'To think (that) / consider' — followed by a thought: 我想这是对的 ('I think this is right').
(3) 'To miss / long for' someone or something: 我想你 ('I miss you'). The same character, same tone — context tells you which sense. Beginners should remember: 想 + verb = want to do something; 想 + person = miss that person; 想 + clause = think that something is the case.
想 appears in 3 Fluentide podcast episodes at natural native speed — each with the full Chinese script, pinyin, and line-by-line English translation.
我想吃中国菜。
Wǒ xiǎng chī Zhōngguó cài.
I'd like to eat Chinese food.
spoken
我想你。
Wǒ xiǎng nǐ.
I miss you.
spoken
我想这本书很好。
Wǒ xiǎng zhè běn shū hěn hǎo.
I think this book is good.
neutral
你想去哪儿？
Nǐ xiǎng qù nǎr?
Where do you want to go?
spoken
要 is a stronger 'want / will / need to.' 我要去 sounds like 'I'm going to go' (decided). 我想去 sounds like 'I'd like to go' (wish). For ordering at a restaurant, 要 is direct ('I'll have…'); 想 is more tentative ('I'd like to try…').
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