The modal verb 想

In Chinese, 想 (xiǎng) stands before a verb and expresses wanting, intending or planning to do something.

In English it is usually rendered as “want to …” or “be going to …”.

Basic structure

Subject + 想 + verb

Meaning: someone wants or plans to do something.

我(Wǒ)想(xiǎng)去(qù)超(chāo)市(shì)。

I want to go to the supermarket.

我 + 想 + 去超市 I + want + go to the supermarket

我(wǒ)I

想(xiǎng)want / be going to

去(qù)超(chāo)市(shì)go to the supermarket

Here 想 expresses the wish to go to the supermarket.

我(Wǒ)哥(gē)哥(ge)不(bù)想(xiǎng)休(xiū)息(xi)。

My older brother doesn't want to rest.

我哥哥 + 不想 + 休息 my older brother + does not want + to rest

我(wǒ)哥(gē)哥(ge)my older brother

不(bù)想(xiǎng)does not want

休(xiū)息(xi)rest

Here 不想 shows the absence of any wish to do something.

Affirmative

想 + verb

want to … / be going to …

Example:

我(Wǒ)想(xiǎng)去(qù)超(chāo)市(shì)。

I want to go to the supermarket.

Negative

不想 + verb

not want to …

Example:

我(Wǒ)哥(gē)哥(ge)不(bù)想(xiǎng)休(xiū)息(xi)。

My older brother doesn't want to rest.