yào
(Mandarin)
(Cantonese)

HSK 3

Dictionary

to need; to want; to demand; to require/needs

Examples

我需要一杯水。

Wǒ xū yào yī bēi shuǐ.

I need a glass of water.

他想要一个新手机。

Tā xiǎng yào yī gè xīn shǒu jī.

He wants a new phone.

这个项目需要更多时间。

Zhè gè xiàng mù xū yào gèng duō shí jiān.

This project demands more time.

这次旅行需要带护照。

Zhè cì lǚ xíng xū yào dài hù zhào.

This trip requires bringing a passport.

Did You Know?

Confusable

Word Formation

需 means 'to need' and 要 means 'to want'.

Usage Tips

需要 means 'to need' (我需要帮助), while 必须 (bìxū) means 'must' (你必须来) — 需要 is softer and about necessity, not obligation.