# Mandarin Chinese: 想 + Verb (Polite Suggestion)

Difficulty: beginner

Use 想 (xiǎng) before a verb to express 'want to' or 'would like to' in a soft, polite way. It's less direct than 要 (yào). For example, 我想请你吃饭 (I'd like to invite you to eat) sounds much more romantic than 我要请你吃饭.

## Related Vocabulary

| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [本](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/this-as-in-this-saturday.md) | /běn/ | this (as in 'this Saturday') |
| [白天](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/daytime.md) | /bái tiān/ | daytime |
| [半天](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/half-a-day.md) | /bàn tiān/ | half a day |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is "想 + Verb (Polite Suggestion)" in Mandarin Chinese?

Use 想 (xiǎng) before a verb to express 'want to' or 'would like to' in a soft, polite way. It's less direct than 要 (yào). For example, 我想请你吃饭 (I'd like to invite you to eat) sounds much more romantic ...

### Is this grammar topic for beginners?

This topic is at the beginner level. It is a great starting point for new learners.

## Related Grammar Topics

- [可以 + Verb + 吗?](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/grammar/verb.md) (beginner)
- [Describing People: 你很 + Adjective](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/grammar/describing-people-adjective.md) (beginner)
- [The Four Tones](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/grammar/the-four-tones.md) (beginner)

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