Newbie - How do you take your coffee?

bric
 November 10, 2007 at 09:06 PM posted in General Discussion

Hey,

 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 

 

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wildyaks
 November 11, 2007 at 10:12 AM

This 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.

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RonInDC
 November 11, 2007 at 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.