想 (xiǎng)

想 covers three related meanings depending on context. Before another verb it means "want to" or "would like to." Alone or with a topic it means "to think" or "to believe." Before a person or place it means "to miss" (to long for someone or somewhere).

Meanings

[verb] To want to, would like to (before another verb).
[verb] To think, to consider, to have a thought.
[verb] To miss, to long for (someone or somewhere).

Example Sentences

我想喝一杯热茶。 Wǒ xiǎng hē yī bēi rè chá. I would like to drink a cup of hot tea.

我想，这个方法很好。 Wǒ xiǎng, zhège fāngfǎ hěn hǎo. I think this method is very good.

我很想我的妈妈。 Wǒ hěn xiǎng wǒ de māma. I really miss my mother.

你在想什么？ Nǐ zài xiǎng shénme? What are you thinking about?

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
想要	want to have/do
想到	think of, come to mind
想起	recall, remember
想一想	think about it
想念	miss (someone), long for
不想	do not want to

Memory Hook

想 has heart (心) at the bottom and "tree/appearance" above. Longing and thinking both come from the heart looking toward something out of reach.