What are the differences between “要”and“想”？

‌“‌要”和“‌想”的主要区别在于语气和用法。‌ “要”表示强烈的愿望或决定，语气坚决，通常表示说话人会付诸实施；而“想”则表示较弱的愿望或打算，语气较弱，不一定去实施。‌

“想”和“要”在表示个人的愿望、打算时，它们的语气不同。
“想”的语气稍弱一些，它只是表示这个人有这种想法，有这种打算，可是去不去做还不 一定。
“要”的语气很强，用“要”时，说话人的语气很坚决，常常表示一种很强烈的愿望，或者是一个决定、决心，说话人一般也会这样去做。
eg：
我想买双鞋。
我要买双鞋。

Both "要" and "想" can be translated as "want" or "would like" in English, but there are still some differences between them:
Semantic Nuances
Degree of Desire
要 usually implies a stronger and more determined desire or intention. It often conveys a sense of firmness or insistence. For example, "我要吃饭" (I want to eat) emphasizes a more urgent and definite need or demand for food.
想 expresses a relatively milder or more general desire. It focuses more on the mental inclination or wish. For instance, "我想吃苹果" (I want to eat an apple) shows a preference or inclination to eat an apple, but not as forceful as using "要".
Volition and Willpower
要 sometimes implies a sense of volition and the determination to achieve something. It can suggest a stronger willpower to make something happen. For example, "我要努力学习" (I want to study hard) shows a firm decision and determination to put in effort for studying.
想 is more about the thought or idea of doing something, without emphasizing the same level of volition. For example, "我想去旅行" (I want to travel) mainly expresses the thought or wish to travel, but not necessarily the strong determination to make it happen immediately.
Grammatical Usage
Sentence Patterns
要 is often used in more imperative or assertive sentence patterns. It can be used to make requests, demands, or state one's requirements firmly. For example, "你要帮我" (You should help me) or "我要一杯咖啡" (I want a cup of coffee).
想 is commonly used in sentences that express personal thoughts, wishes, or intentions in a softer way. It is often used in patterns like "我想 + verb" or "我想 + that clause". For example, "我想你" (I miss you) or "我想明天会下雨" (I think it will rain tomorrow).
Negative Forms
The negative form of 要 is usually "不要", which means "don't want" or "should not". For example, "我不要这个" (I don't want this) or "你不要说话" (You should not speak).
The negative form of 想 is "不想", which simply means "don't want" or "have no intention to". For example, "我不想去" (I don't want to go).

要：the first meaning is want something,like 我要一杯水
the second meaning is need to do something,like I have 我要上班，没时间看电影
想：the literal meaning is think
the second meaning is want to do something,like 我想喝一杯咖啡
要+noun/verb
想+verb
要表达的意愿更强烈，更肯定

要 uses to refers something you need and must have while 想 uses to refers something you want to have; but if you have it or not is still no matter.

In Chinese, “要” (yào)and “想” (xiǎng) both express desire or intention but differ in their nuances and use cases:

1. 要 (yào): This can mean "to want," "to need," or "to plan to do something." It often implies a stronger sense of determination or demand.

- Desire or demand: "我要一个苹果。" (I want an apple.)
- Future intention or plan: "我要去北京。" (I am going to Beijing / I plan to go to Beijing.)
- Necessity or requirement: "你要听老师的话。" (You need to listen to the teacher.)

2. 想 (xiǎng): This primarily means "to want," "to think," or "to miss." When expressing desire, it’s often softer or more tentative than 要.

- Desire or wish: "我想吃面条。" (I would like to eat noodles.)—this is a more tentative way of saying "I want."
- Thinking or considering: "我想去旅行。" (I am thinking about going on a trip.)
- Missing someone: "我想你。" (I miss you.)

In summary:
- 要 implies a stronger, more definite intention, often similar to "need" or "will."
- 想 is softer and often expresses a wish or consideration, closer to "would like" or "think about."

要 (yào): This word often means "to want," but it can also imply a stronger intention or necessity. It can indicate a demand or requirement. Used when making demands or requests, and Often used in imperative sentences.
想 (xiǎng): This word translates to "to think" or "to want," but it expresses a softer, more contemplative desire.