Newbie - How do you take your coffee?
bric
November 10, 2007, 09:06 PM posted in General DiscussionHey,
I have a question concerning the verb "xiang" (would like). What is the difference to "yao" and "xihuan"?
When do you use these different types of verbs, which all mean "to want"?
Thanks for your help!
bric
wildyaks
November 11, 2007, 10:12 AMThis one is coming up a lot, I guess because they are so common. my explanation goes as follows: "xiang" expresses a thought "I would like..." "I am thinking about ..." - used to express a wish, a desire. Interestingly it is also used to express "I miss you" (wo xiang ni), which to me indicates it is more a feeling of what I wish to have.. "yao" expresses want and need. This is fairly strong. "I need a coffee now..." kind of a feel to it. At least in my ears. And then there is also "xiang yao" - the same as "yao" but less demanding in tone. "Xihuan" talks generally about what your likes and dislikes.
RonInDC
November 11, 2007, 04:19 AM'Xihuan' is pretty straight up for 'like'. 'xiang' and 'yao' are similar, but 'yao' is more direct. I'll let Cpod do a better job.