# Mandarin Chinese: 要 (Want) vs. 不要/不用 (Don't Want)

Difficulty: beginner

To customize orders, state what you want with 要, then what to exclude with 不要 or 不用. The structure is: Subject + 要 + Item, + 不要/不用 + Ingredient. For example: 我要宫保鸡丁，不要花生 (I want Kung Pao Chicken, no peanuts).

## Related Vocabulary

| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [爱](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/to-love-to-be-fond-of.md) | /ài/ | to love; to be fond of |
| [爱好](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/interest-hobby.md) | /ài hào/ | interest; hobby |
| [不用](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/need-not.md) | /bù yòng/ | need not |
| [次](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/how-to-say/next-in-sequence-time-as-in-next-time.md) | /cì/ | next in sequence; time (as in 'next time') |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is "要 (Want) vs. 不要/不用 (Don't Want)" in Mandarin Chinese?

To customize orders, state what you want with 要, then what to exclude with 不要 or 不用. The structure is: Subject + 要 + Item, + 不要/不用 + Ingredient. For example: 我要宫保鸡丁，不要花生 (I want Kung Pao Chicken, no p...

### 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

- [Point and Ask: 这个是什么？](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/grammar/point-and-ask.md) (beginner)
- [The Four Tones](https://useorphi.com/learn/mandarin/grammar/the-four-tones.md) (beginner)

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