Various ways to say “I want to” in Chinese

The common expressions and their uses in sentences

我要…… (wǒ yào……)

This is the most direct and common way to say “I want to.”

e.g.

我要喝水。 (Wǒ yào hē shuǐ.) I want to drink water.

我要去商店。 (Wǒ yào qù shāngdiàn.) I want to go to the store.

我要学习中文。 (Wǒ yào xuéxí zhōngwén.) I want to study Chinese.

我想…… (wǒ xiǎng……)

This phrase means “I want to” or “I would like to,” and is slightly softer than “我要.”

我想休息一下。 (Wǒ xiǎng xiūxí yīxià.) I want to take a break.

我想吃披萨。 (Wǒ xiǎng chī pīsà.) I want to eat pizza.

我想去看电影。 (Wǒ xiǎng qù kàn diànyǐng.) I want to go see a movie.

The extended phrases to express “I want to” in Chinese

我想要…… (wǒ xiǎng yào……)

This phrase is similar to “我想” but slightly more emphatic.

e.g.

我想要一个新手机。 (Wǒ xiǎng yào yīgè xīn shǒujī.) I want a new phone.

我想要学更多的知识。 (Wǒ xiǎng yào xué gèng duō de zhīshì.) I want to learn more knowledge.

我想要更多的时间休息。 (Wǒ xiǎng yào gèng duō de shíjiān xiūxí.) I want more time to rest.

我打算…… (wǒ dǎsuàn……)

This phrase means “I plan to,” indicating a more definite intention.

e.g.

我打算周末去爬山。 (Wǒ dǎsuàn zhōumò qù páshān.) I plan to go hiking this weekend.

我打算明年换工作。 (Wǒ dǎsuàn míngnián huàn gōngzuò.) I plan to change jobs next year.

我打算今天晚上做饭。 (Wǒ dǎsuàn jīntiān wǎnshàng zuò fàn.) I plan to cook dinner tonight.

我愿意…… (wǒ yuànyì……)

This phrase means “I am willing to” or “I want to,” indicating willingness.

e.g.

我愿意帮你。 (Wǒ yuànyì bāng nǐ.) I am willing to help you.

我愿意尝试新东西。 (Wǒ yuànyì chángshì xīn dōngxī.) I am willing to try new things.

我愿意和你一起去。 (Wǒ yuànyì hé nǐ yīqǐ qù.) I am willing to go with you.