二者都有"想要"的含义，但would like较want更加委婉。二者后面都可接"名词或不定式"，也可接"名词＋不定式"的结构，would like在口语中常说成"'d like"，可适用于所有人称；而want则要根据人称和数的变化而变化。在语言表达中，二者大多可以互换使用，但在语气的委婉程度上是有差别，这一点在具体的语言环境中要注意。例如：
She wants a cup of coffee. = She'd like a cup of coffee. 她想要一杯咖啡。
His uncle would like to buy a new car. = His uncle wants to buy a new car. 他叔叔想买辆新车。
My friends want to play soccer after school. = My friends would like to play soccer after school. 我的朋友想在放学后踢足球。
