我想学
wǒ xiǎng xué
In Chinese, "I want to learn" is expressed as 我想学 (wǒ xiǎng xué).
The phrase 我想学 is used to express a desire to acquire knowledge or a new skill. You can follow the phrase directly with the subject of your study, such as a language or a specific skill.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 我 (I), 想 (want to/would like to) and 学 (to learn/study).
Which one should you use?
While 我想学 expresses a desire or intention using 想 (would like to), using 我要学 (wǒ yào xué) expresses a stronger, more determined sense of wanting or needing to learn.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 学 can be used alone to mean "to study" or "to learn," but it is often followed directly by the subject of study.
How do you pronounce it?
wǒ xiǎng xué
Did you know?
- If you want to learn by imitating someone, you can use 学 as a verb for 'mimicking', such as 学猫叫 to 'imitate a cat'.
- In a classroom setting, a student might say 我想学 to a teacher, but to be more polite and humble, they might use the word 请教 which literally means 'to ask for instruction'.
- In Chinese culture, the desire to learn is often linked to the concept of 好学, which describes a person who is 'fond of learning' as a core moral virtue.
Examples in context
- 我想学围棋。I want to learn how to play "Go".This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to learn how to play a specific game.Tatoeba #1691662 by sadhen, translation #7844496 by sharris123
- 我想学阿拉伯语。I want to learn Arabic.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to learn a specific language.Tatoeba #5576833 by verdastelo9604, translation #4519924 by maydoo
- 我想学标准的英语。I want to learn standard English.Tatoeba #2437235 by CLARET, translation #261448 by CK
- 我想学中文I want to learn Chinese
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a community center, discussing new hobbies.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你想学什么？Nǐ xiǎng xué shénme?What do you want to learn?
- 梓涵 Zihan我想学绘画。Wǒ xiǎng xué huìhuà.I want to learn painting.
- 志强 Zhiqiang太好了，我也想学。Tài hǎole, wǒ yě xiǎng xué.Great, I want to learn too.
- 梓涵 Zihan那我们一起学吧。Nà wǒmen yīqǐ xué ba.Then let's learn together.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
