想
to want; to think; to miss
xiǎng
What does 想 mean?
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.
Character breakdown
to think; to want; to miss (heart radical 心 at the bottom — thoughts and feelings come from the heart)
Memory hook: 想 has 心 (heart) on the bottom and 相 (mutual / appearance) on top — your heart pictures something, so you 'think of' / 'want' / 'miss' it.
Example sentences
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
Common phrases with 想
Hear it in real Fluentide episodes
想 appears in 13 podcast episodes at natural native speed, with full Chinese script, pinyin, and line-by-line English translation.
Synonyms
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FAQ
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Hear 想 in real Chinese, not in a flashcard.
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