Hello Mandarin Enthusiasts! 🌟
In this week’s CGG #34 lesson, we explored the three different meanings of 想.
Now, it’s time to put that knowledge into action with our English-to-Mandarin translation exercises!
Recap of CGG #34 lesson
想 can mean to miss, to want, or to think—depending on the context.
Use 想 for polite desires, while 要 is stronger and more direct.
When expressing opinions, 觉得 is personal and tentative, while 认为 is formal and confident.
Today’s Exercises
Translate these English sentences into Mandarin:
I really want to visit the Great Wall.
He misses his family very much.
I think this movie is very interesting.
Let me think for a moment before deciding.
Many people believe that exercise is good for health.
🌀 Translation #1
I really want to visit the Great Wall.
In this sentence, we need to express a strong desire to visit the Great Wall, so we’ll make use of 想 in the context of “to want.”
Let’s break down the translation step by step:
我 (wǒ) means “I.”
很 (hěn) or 非常 (fēicháng) mean “really” or “very.”
很 (hěn) is often used to express “very,” but in this context, it’s more neutral and commonly used in casual speech. It softens the expression without being too emphatic.
非常 (fēicháng) can also mean “really” or “extremely.” It gives a stronger emphasis than 很 (hěn) and would be appropriate if you want to express an even stronger desire to visit the Great Wall.
想 (xiǎng) means “to want” or “would like to.”
想 (xiǎng) is a polite way to express a desire.
In contrast, 要 (yào) is much stronger and conveys a sense of determination or a firm intention, often implying that something is already planned or will happen soon.
Using 要 would suggest that you are certain or have already decided to visit the Great Wall, while 想 indicates more of a casual wish or interest, without any solid plan in place.
参观 (cānguān) means “to visit” (a place or landmark).
This word is typically used for visiting places of interest, such as museums or historical sites like the Great Wall. It suggests a more formal, educational visit, rather than a casual one.
长城 (Chángchéng) means “the Great Wall.”
Recap
我很想参观长城。
我 / 很 / 想 / 参观 / 长城 。
wǒ hěn xiǎng cānguān Chángchéng
I really want to visit the Great Wall.
I / really / want / visit / the Great Wall.
Let’s practice the sentences with my audio recordings:
Slow speed:
Normal speed:
🌀 Translation #2
He misses his family very much.
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