Need and requirement
In words like 需要 and 必要, 要 (yào) expresses need, necessity, or something not serious.
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Common patterns, words, and short phrases that show how 要 works in context.
In words like 需要 and 必要, 要 (yào) expresses need, necessity, or something not serious.
HSK words that contain this character.
Real-world example sentences demonstrating how 要 is used in context
A woman (女) grasping her waist (覀) — to demand or need something essential.
need
not important; not serious It doesn't matter; never mind
In words like 重要 and 主要, 要 (yào) marks importance, priority, or degree.
less important; secondary; subordinate
These are high-frequency learner expressions built around a condition or an alternative.
don't!
nearly at the point of (doing sth); about to (do sth)
I want a glass of water.
I need a cup of coffee.
I am going to Beijing tomorrow.
The teacher requires us to finish homework on time.
This meeting is very important.
Explore characters by relationship
Characters from the same exam level.
Characters pronounced "yao".
Characters with radical "覀".