In this article, you’ll learn 10 essential Japanese grammar structures used to express desire, wishes, and wants. These forms appear frequently in daily conversation and JLPT exams, especially from N5 to N3 levels.
1. ～たい – Want to Do Something
Meaning: I want to do…
Structure: Verb (ます-form without ます) + たい
Example:
- 日本へ行きたいです。
I want to go to Japan.
2. ～たがる – Someone Else Wants to Do
Meaning: He/She/They want to do…
Structure: Verb (ます-form without ます) + たがる
Example:
- 彼は新しい車を欲しがっています。
He wants a new car.
3. ～てほしい – Want Someone to Do
Meaning: I want someone to do something
Structure: Verb (て-form) + ほしい
Example:
- 手伝ってほしいです。
I want you to help me.
4. ～てもらいたい – Politely Want Someone to Do
Meaning: I would like someone to do something
Structure: Verb (て-form) + もらいたい
Example:
- 先生に説明してもらいたいです。
I want the teacher to explain.
5. ～させてほしい – Want to Be Allowed to Do
Meaning: I want to be allowed to do something
Structure: Verb (causative form) + て + ほしい
Example:
- 試験を受けさせてほしいです。
I want to be allowed to take the exam.
6. ～ようと思う – Intend to Do
Meaning: I intend to do something
Structure: Verb (volitional form) + と思う
Example:
- 日本語を勉強しようと思います。
I plan to study Japanese.
7. ～たいと思う – Want to Do (Soft)
Meaning: I would like to do…
Structure: Verb (ます-form without ます) + たいと思う
Example:
- 海外で働きたいと思っています。
I want to work abroad.
8. ～ばいいと思う – Suggestion / I Think You Should
Meaning: I think it would be good if you…
Structure: Verb (ば-form) + いいと思う
Example:
- もっと練習すればいいと思います。
I think you should practice more.
9. ～てみたい – Want to Try Doing
Meaning: I want to try doing something
Structure: Verb (て-form) + みたい
Example:
- 富士山に登ってみたいです。
I want to try climbing Mt. Fuji.
10. ～たらいい – I Wish / I Hope
Meaning: I hope that / I wish that…
Structure: Verb (た-form) + ら + いい
Example:
- 休みが取れたらいいですね。
I hope I can take a day off.
📝 Notes
- ～たい is for the speaker’s desires, while ～たがる is used for others.
- ～てほしい and ～てもらいたい are both used to ask others to do something, but ～てもらいたい is more polite.
- Some forms like ～ようと思う and ～たいと思う are softer and more formal.
🎯 Exercises
- Translate: “I want to study in Japan.”
Answer: 日本で勉強したいです。 - Make a sentence with ～てほしい.
Example: ドアを開けてほしいです。 - What’s the difference between ～たい and ～たがる?
🔗 Related Grammar & Vocabulary
- JLPT N5 Grammar List – 60 Essential Grammar Points
- 何/誰/どこ/いつ/どう/どうして/どの/どんな – How to Ask Questions
- JLPT N5 Japanese Comparison Structures
- JLPT N5 Grammar: Common Sentence Patterns
- JLPT N5 How to Express Time in Japanese
- JLPT N5 Grammar: ここ / そこ / あそこ – This Place / That Place / That Place Over There
- JLPT N5 Grammar: この / その / あの
- これは / それは / あれは
- JLPT N5 Grammar: ～をほしがっている
- JLPT N5 Grammar: ～たい – Want to Do Something
📌 Summary
Mastering how to express desire in Japanese is essential for communicating naturally. Whether it’s expressing what you want to do or what you want others to do, these 10 grammar patterns will help you speak with confidence and clarity.
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