4.2 Ability & Desire (会, 想, 要)

会 (huì) — learned ability

会 (huì) = 'can' in the sense of a learned skill: 我会说中文 (wǒ huì shuō Zhōngwén) = I can speak Chinese. It also expresses likelihood ('will').

想 (xiǎng) — want to

想 (xiǎng) = 'would like to / want to': 我想去中国 (I want to go to China). It's softer than 要, expressing a wish.

要 (yào) — will/want

要 (yào) = 'want' or 'be going to' (stronger intention): 我要喝水 (I want to drink water). 能 (néng) = 'can' in the sense of being physically able or permitted.

Key terms

会 (huì)

'can' — a learned skill; also 'will' (likely)

想 (xiǎng)

'want / would like to' (a wish)

要 (yào)

'want / going to' (stronger intention)

能 (néng)

'can' — physically able or permitted

Example

我会说中文 — I can speak Chinese

Try an AP-style question

"我会说中文" means…

1. I want to speak Chinese
2. I will speak Chinese tomorrow
3. I can speak Chinese (learned skill)
4. I must speak Chinese