Character
要 = 覀 + 女
A woman under a cover, wanting shelter
All meanings
- important
- vital
- to want
- to ask for
- will
- going to (as future auxiliary)
- may
- must
- (used in a comparison) must be
- probably
- if
In context
Example sentences
我想要一杯水。
Wǒ xiǎng yào yī bēi shuǐ.
I want a glass of water.
Keep going
Related words
Words with 要
Grammar notes
Appears in these articles
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HSK levels
要: HSK 2 on the old exam, HSK 1 on the new one. See where your old level lands
New exam levels follow the CLEC syllabus released 15 November 2025. The first official sitting of the new exam is announced for 13 December 2026, for HSK 1 to 6. HSK 7-9 is one advanced band.
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Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.