てもらいたい・
てもらいたい and ていただきたい express the speaker's desire to have someone else perform an action for them. The second form shows greater humility and deference, but either form can function as a real request rather than merely reporting a private wish.
Whose action is wanted?
The action belongs to someone other than the speaker, while the speaker is presented as receiving or benefiting from it. When the intended doer is stated, that person is commonly marked with に; in a direct request, the listener is often understood and left unstated.
A neutral desire
友達に引っ越しを手伝ってもらいたい。
I'd like a friend to help me move.
AnalyzeThe friend is the intended doer, and the speaker would receive the help.
A deferential request
恐れ入りますが、こちらの書類をもう一度確認していただきたいと思います。
I would appreciate having these documents checked once more.
AnalyzeThe respectful wording and softened ending suit a formal request.
A desire statement that acts as a request
Although the grammar literally states what the speaker wants, context often turns it into a request or instruction. Authority matters: from a manager, teacher, or institution, even the deferential form can communicate a clear expectation that the action be done.
A softened but direct workplace request
悪いけど、この数字をもう一度確認してもらいたいんだけど。
Sorry, but I'd like you to check these figures once more.
Analyze分かりました。今日中に確認します。
All right. I'll check them today.
AnalyzeThe ending leaves the sentence slightly open rather than closing it as a blunt command, but the manager's position still gives the request weight.
Receiving an action versus wanting one
てもらう describes receiving someone's action. Adding たい changes this into the speaker's desire to receive that action.
先輩に原稿を見てもらった。
I had a senior colleague look over my draft.
AnalyzeThis reports an action that was received; it does not express a present desire or request.
More examples
子どもたちには、自分で答えを見つけてもらいたい。
I want the children to find the answer for themselves.
Analyze来週までに計画を立て直してもらいたい。
I want the plan revised by next week.
AnalyzeWithout further softening, this can sound like a direct instruction.
少し時間を取って、よく考えてもらいたいんだ。
I want you to take some time and think it over carefully.
Analyzeこの作品は、若い世代にも読んでもらいたい。
I'd like younger generations to read this work too.
Analyzeできれば、結果をメールで知らせていただきたいです。
If possible, I would like to be notified of the results by email.
Analyze面接では、ご自身の経験を具体的に話していただきたいと思います。
In the interview, we would like you to speak specifically about your own experience.
Analyze