auxiliary verb HSK 2
don't want to · don't feel like · would rather not
Meaning
不想 expresses unwillingness or lack of desire to do something. It combines the negation particle 不 (not) with the verb 想 (to want/to think), forming a common auxiliary verb that precedes main verbs. It's one of the most basic ways to express what you don't want to do in Mandarin.
Usage
Used in casual and formal contexts to express unwillingness. Native speakers often use it to politely decline invitations or refuse requests. It's softer than outright refusal words and commonly followed directly by another verb. Can also stand alone as a short answer meaning 'I don't want to' or 'I'd rather not.'
Examples
- 01我今天不想上班。.I don't feel like going to work today.
- 02他不想谈这个话题。.He doesn't want to talk about this topic.
Characters
Common collocations
- 不想去don't want to go
- 不想吃don't want to eat
- 不想说don't want to say
- 我不想I don't want to