我要
ngo5 jiu3
In Cantonese, "I want" is expressed as 我要 (ngo5 jiu3).
我要 is used to express a desire or a need for something. Depending on the context, 要 can also function as a marker of intention or a future action, similar to the English words "will" or "am going to".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 我 (I/me) and 要 (want/need/will).
How does it change in a sentence?
When using 我要 followed by a verb to mean "I want to [verb]", there is no need for a word equivalent to the English "to" between the two parts.
How do you pronounce it?
ngo5 jiu3
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers might mistakenly use 想 (soeng2) and 要 (jiu3) interchangeably. However, 要 is much stronger and more direct than 想, which means "would like to".
Did you know?
- In a restaurant, you can omit the 我 (ngo5) entirely and just say 要 (jiu3) followed by the dish. Starting a sentence with 'I' is often seen as redundant in natural Cantonese conversation.
- The character 要 is also used in the word for 'important', which is 重要, showing a conceptual link between needing something and it being essential.
- If you use 我要 when ordering food in a very formal setting, it can sound quite demanding or even rude, as it lacks the softness of a polite request.
Examples in context
- 我唔係要你道歉，我要你解釋。I don't want an apology. I want an explanation.This sentence shows how to use 我要 to express a specific requirement instead of an apology.Tatoeba #5730028 by nickyeow, translation #601997 by darinmex
- 我要忘記佢。I want to forget her.This sentence demonstrates the use of 我要 followed directly by a verb.Tatoeba #1899425 by fercheung, translation #1823248 by Amastan
- 我要一杯熱咖啡。ngo5 jiu3 jat1 bui1 jit6 gaa3 fe1.I want a cup of hot coffee.
Example conversation
A cafe where a young man and woman are ordering.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit曉彤，你想飲咩？hiu2 tung4, nei5 seong2 jam2 me1?曉彤, what do you want to drink?
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung我要呢杯凍奶茶。ngo5 jiu3 ni1 bui1 dung3 naai5 ca4.I want this iced milk tea.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit好呀，我要飲可樂。hou2 aa3, ngo5 jiu3 jam2 ho2 lok3.Okay, I want to drink cola.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung等陣去埋甜品舖。dang2 zan6 heoi3 maai4 tim2 ban2 pou3.Let's go to the dessert shop later.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
