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HSK 6Verbs

巴不得(bābude)

To Be Eager To / To Wish Anxiously

Structure Pattern

Subject+巴不得+Verb Phrase

Explanation

巴不得 (bābude) expresses a very strong, anxious, or urgent desire for something to happen. It translates to "to be eager to," "to itch to," or "would like nothing better than." It is much stronger and more emotional than 想要 (xiǎng yào) or 希望 (xīwàng).

Usage Notes:

  • It is highly colloquial and expressive.
  • It implies that the fulfillment of the wish is out of the speaker's direct control, or that the speaker has been waiting a long time.
  • It is often followed by a short, punchy phrase (e.g., 马上离开 - leave immediately).

Example Sentences

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1
考试终于结束了，我巴不得马上飞回家。

Kǎoshì zhōngyú jiéshù le, wǒ bābude mǎshàng fēi huí jiā.

The exams are finally over, I'm itching to fly home right this second.

2
他巴不得你早点走，好一个人安静一下。

Tā bābude nǐ zǎo diǎn zǒu, hǎo yí gè rén ānjìng yíxià.

He would like nothing better than for you to leave early, so he can have some peace and quiet alone.

3
我巴不得天天放假。

Wǒ bābude tiāntiān fàngjià.

I wish every day was a holiday.

Common Mistakes

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❌

Common Mistake

我巴不得一杯水。

✅
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Correct Usage

我想要一杯水。

info

巴不得 must be followed by a verb phrase expressing a strong desire for an action or event, not a simple noun like "a glass of water."

emotiondesirecolloquialstrong

Related Grammar Points

想HSK 1

Want / Think / Miss

xiǎng

想 (xiǎng) is one of the most versatile words in Chinese with three distinct meanings: 1. **Want to (desire):** When followed by a verb, 想 means "want to" or "would like to." It's softer and more polite than 要 (yào), which sounds more determined or demanding. Use 想 for wishes and preferences, 要 for firm decisions. 2. **Think (mental activity):** 想 can mean "to think" or "to consider." In this usage, it often appears as 想一想 (think about it), 想到 (think of), or 想出 (figure out / come up with). 3. **Miss (someone/something):** When the object is a person or place, 想 means "to miss." 想你 means "I miss you." Add 很 for emphasis: 很想你 (miss you a lot). To negate, use 不想 for all three meanings. The context makes the meaning clear. ### Difference Between 想 (xiǎng) and 要 (yào) Both words can be translated as "to want", but they are used differently: * **想 (xiǎng)** expresses a **desire, wish, or intention**. It is polite, soft, and translates closer to "would like to." It indicates that you are *thinking* about doing something, but haven't necessarily decided or taken action. * *Example:* 我想去中国。(I would like to go to China — a wish). * **要 (yào)** expresses a **strong demand, necessity, or firm decision**. It translates closer to "going to" or "must." It shows determination and often implies action will follow soon. * *Example:* 我要去中国。(I am going to China — a firm plan). * **With Nouns:** Only **要** can take a noun directly to mean "I want [thing]." * *Correct:* 我要一杯咖啡。(I'll have a cup of coffee). * *Wrong:* 我想一杯咖啡。(想 needs a verb, e.g., 我想**喝**一杯咖啡).

Sentence Structure5 examples

Master 巴不得

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