💭Beginner
想
to want / would like / to think
No Mandarin Chinese voice found on this device, so audio is unavailable.
Example
我想喝茶。
I would like to drink tea.
想、要、需要 overlap but are not exact synonyms; here 想 means "would like to."
We use Google Analytics to understand traffic. No personal data or search queries are sent. Privacy Policy
20 expressions
Ask for help, say what you need, and understand simple replies. Tone of voice and context also affect politeness.
to want / would like / to think
No Mandarin Chinese voice found on this device, so audio is unavailable.
Example
我想喝茶。
I would like to drink tea.
想、要、需要 overlap but are not exact synonyms; here 想 means "would like to."
to want / to need
No Mandarin Chinese voice found on this device, so audio is unavailable.
Example
我要一杯水。
I would like a glass of water.
to need
No Mandarin Chinese voice found on this device, so audio is unavailable.
Example
我需要帮助。
I need help.
may / can / allowed to
No Mandarin Chinese voice found on this device, so audio is unavailable.
Example
我可以坐这里吗？
May I sit here?
可以 often concerns permission. A short reply is 可以，请坐。 (kě yǐ, qǐng zuò) — Yes, please have a seat.
can / be able to
No Mandarin Chinese voice found on this device, so audio is unavailable.
Example
你能帮我吗？
Can you help me?
can (a learned skill)
No Mandarin Chinese voice found on this device, so audio is unavailable.
Example
我会说一点中文。
I can speak a little Chinese.
to have / there is
No Mandarin Chinese voice found on this device, so audio is unavailable.
Example
这里有水吗？
Is there water here?
not have / there is not
No Mandarin Chinese voice found on this device, so audio is unavailable.
Example
我没有时间。
I do not have time.
to help
No Mandarin Chinese voice found on this device, so audio is unavailable.
Example
请帮我一下。
Please help me for a moment.
Help requests should use clear language and a friendly tone; 请 does not automatically make every sentence appropriate.
help / assistance
No Mandarin Chinese voice found on this device, so audio is unavailable.
Example
谢谢你的帮助。
Thank you for your help.
Please give me …
No Mandarin Chinese voice found on this device, so audio is unavailable.
Example
请给我一条毛巾。
Please give me a towel.
I would like …
No Mandarin Chinese voice found on this device, so audio is unavailable.
Example
我想要一个安静的房间。
I would like a quiet room.
Do you have …? / Is there …?
No Mandarin Chinese voice found on this device, so audio is unavailable.
Example
有没有热水？
Is there hot water?
有没有 is an affirmative-negative question pattern; do not append 吗 to its neutral examples.
Is that okay? / May I?
No Mandarin Chinese voice found on this device, so audio is unavailable.
Example
我坐这里，可以吗？
May I sit here?
of course
No Mandarin Chinese voice found on this device, so audio is unavailable.
Example
当然可以。
Of course you may.
not allowed / you may not
No Mandarin Chinese voice found on this device, so audio is unavailable.
Example
这里不可以停车。
Parking is not allowed here.
Okay / Certainly
No Mandarin Chinese voice found on this device, so audio is unavailable.
Example
好的，我现在来。
Okay, I am coming now.
好的 is an acknowledgement, not a universal translation of every English "yes."
Wait a moment
No Mandarin Chinese voice found on this device, so audio is unavailable.
Example
请等一下。
Please wait a moment.
no need / do not need to
No Mandarin Chinese voice found on this device, so audio is unavailable.
Example
不用，谢谢。
No need, thank you.
a little
No Mandarin Chinese voice found on this device, so audio is unavailable.
Example
请给我一点水。
Please give me a little water.
我可以坐这里吗？
May I sit here?
可以，请坐。
Yes, please have a seat.
谢谢。
Thank you.
请给我一条毛巾。
Please give me a towel.
好的，请等一下。
Certainly. Please wait a moment.
谢谢。
Thank you.
Listen to the question and answer. Then hide the translation and try one role. If a sentence is unfamiliar, read it again before repeating.
Compare preferences, actions that have not happened, and "not having" with simple examples.
Read moreTurn a statement into a yes-or-no question by adding 吗, and learn one common mistake to avoid.
Read more