要 | Chinese meaning

要【yào】

to want; to need; to ask for
will; shall; about to
need to; should
if (same as 要是[yao4 shi5])
(bound form) important

Generated definitions (experimental)

to want; to need; to ask for

This meaning is used to express a desire for something or a requirement for something.

。

I want a cup of coffee.

。

I need to go to the store to buy things.

will; shall; about to

This meaning is used to indicate future actions or intentions.

。

I will go to the library to study.

。

They are about to come to the party.

need to; should

This meaning is used to express necessity or obligation.

。

You need to do your homework before you can go play.

。

We should finish this project on time.

if (same as 要是[yao4 shi5])

This meaning is used to suggest a condition or hypothetical situation.

，。

If it rains tomorrow, we won't be able to go camping.

(bound form) important

This meaning is used in combination with other characters to indicate importance or significance.

，。

This is a very important matter, we must not miss it.