What does 想 mean in Chinese?

想 (xiǎng) means "to think; to believe; to suppose; to wish; to want; to miss (feel wistful about the absence of sb or sth)" in Chinese. The new HSK exam tests it at HSK 1.

How do you pronounce 想?

想 is pronounced "xiǎng" in Mandarin Chinese. The tone number is 3.

What HSK level is 想?

想 is an HSK 1 word on the new HSK exam syllabus. It is HSK 1 on both the old and the new exam.

What words contain the character 想?

Common words with 想 include 梦想 ((fig.) to dream of), 不堪设想 (too horrible to contemplate), 不想 (unexpectedly), 休想 (don't think (that)), 假想 (imaginary).

How do you write 想?

想 has 13 strokes. Its radical is 心. You can view the stroke order animation on our stroke order tool.

想 (xiǎng), to think

想

xiǎng

to think; to believe; to suppose; to wish

HSK 1verb13 strokes

Character Breakdown

想 = 相 + 心

Mutual feelings in the heart — to think, to want

Radical: 心 (no. 61)Strokes: 13

View stroke order →

Definitions

(verb) to think
to believe
to suppose
to wish
to want
to miss (feel wistful about the absence of sb or sth)

Example Sentences

我想喝水。

Wǒ xiǎng hē shuǐ

I want to drink water

Words Containing 想

Word	Pinyin	Meaning	HSK
梦想	mèng xiǎng	(fig.) to dream of	HSK 4
不堪设想	bù kān shè xiǎng	too horrible to contemplate
不想	bù xiǎng	unexpectedly
休想	xiū xiǎng	don't think (that)	HSK 7-9
假想

Related Words

以为(yǐ wéi)· to believe

→

不屑(bù xiè)· to disdain to do sth

→

惦(diàn)· to think of

→

思念(sī niàn)· to think of

→

Grammar Notes

Negation with 不HSK 1

Subject + 不 + Verb / Adjective

Basic Measure Words (个, 本, 杯)HSK 1

Number / 这 / 那 + Measure Word + Noun

Location with 在HSK 1

Subject + 在 + Place + Verb (or) Subject + 在 + Place

Expressing "Want" with 想HSK 1

Subject + 想 + Verb + Object

Number + Measure Word + NounHSK 1

Number + Measure Word + Noun

Appears in these articles

HSK levels

New HSK exam: HSK 1
HSK 2.0: HSK 1
HSK Lord study list: HSK 1 list

想: HSK 1 on both the old and the new exam. See where your old level lands

New exam levels follow the CLEC syllabus released 15 November 2025. The first official sitting is announced for 13 December 2026. HSK 7-9 is one advanced band.

On the new HSK 1 exam

Studying for HSK 1? Keep 想 with the rest of your level.

HSK Lord schedules your reviews so each character comes back right before you would forget it. Free to start, and it picks up where you are.

Start studying free The words new HSK 1 adds

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.