我想要钱
wǒ xiǎng yào qián
In Chinese, "I want money" is expressed as 我想要钱 (wǒ xiǎng yào qián).
This phrase is a statement used to express a desire or a need for financial currency. The component 我想要 specifically means "I want."
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 我 (I), 想要 (want/desire) and 钱 (money).
Which one should you use?
While 我想要钱 (wǒ xiǎng yào qián) expresses a desire or a wish, the alternative 我要钱 (wǒ yào qián) is much more direct and forceful, often sounding like a demand.
How does it change in a sentence?
In casual conversation, adding 点 (diǎn) after the verb to form 我想要点钱 makes the request sound slightly more natural and less blunt.
How do you pronounce it?
wǒ xiǎng yào qián
Did you know?
- In slang, the word 钱 is sometimes replaced with 米 (mǐ), meaning 'rice'. Saying someone has 'a lot of rice' is a colloquial way to say they have a lot of money.
- The word for money 钱 is used in the phrase 钱途 (qián tú), which sounds exactly like the word for 'future' 前途. This creates a common pun used in business to wish someone a 'wealthy future'.
- When talking about money in a superstitious way, people might avoid saying 'I want money' and instead display a 招财猫 (zhāo cái māo) or 'beckoning cat' to attract wealth.
Examples in context
- 我需要钱支付房租。I need money to pay the rent.
- 随便，但我想要钱。Anything is fine, but I want money.
- 我现在非常想买东西，我想要钱。Wǒ xiànzài fēicháng xiǎng mǎi dōngxī, wǒ xiǎng yào qián.I really want to buy things right now, I want money.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their future goals.
- 浩然 Haoran你长大以后想做什么？Nǐ zhǎngdà yǐhòu xiǎng zuò shénme?What do you want to do when you grow up?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我想要钱，所以我想当商人。Wǒ xiǎngyào qián, suǒyǐ wǒ xiǎng dāng shāngrén.I want money, so I want to be a businessman.
- 浩然 Haoran钱虽然很重要，但兴趣也很重要。Qián suīrán hěn zhòngyào, dàn xìngqù yě hěn zhòngyào.Money is important, but interest is also important.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我知道，但我还是想要钱。Wǒ zhīdào, dàn wǒ háishì xiǎngyào qián.I know, but I still want money.
