Hi! This is a very common question when starting to learn Chinese. Both can mean "to want," but here is a simple way to remember the difference
想 (xiǎng) = "Would like to" / "To desire.
要 (yào) = "Want to" / "To plan to" / "Need.
Use 想 for wishes, dreams, or polite requests (soft).
Use 要 for concrete plans, decisions, or immediate needs (strong).
Hope this helps! Good luck with your studies! 😊👍
想 (xiǎng) = "Would like to" / "To desire.
要 (yào) = "Want to" / "To plan to" / "Need.
Use 想 for wishes, dreams, or polite requests (soft).
Use 要 for concrete plans, decisions, or immediate needs (strong).
Hope this helps! Good luck with your studies! 😊👍