Translation guide
The English verb 'want' expresses desire. In Japanese, desire is expressed differently depending on whether the subject is the speaker, the listener, or a third person, and whether the object is a thing or an action. Direct translations like 欲しい and 〜たい are common, but politeness and indirectness are important.
[object]が欲しい。
I want [object].
[verb stem]たい。
I want to [verb].
Expressing that the speaker wants a thing or person.
An i-adjective meaning 'want' for objects. Used for the speaker's desire. The object is marked with が.
新しいスマホが欲しい。
I want a new smartphone.
お金が欲しい。
I want money.
Polite form of 欲しい. Use in formal situations.
コーヒーが欲しいです。
I would like a coffee.
Used to describe a third person's desire for an object. Not for the speaker.
子供はおもちゃを欲しがっている。
The child wants a toy.
Expressing that the speaker wants to perform an action.
Attach to the masu-stem of a verb. An i-adjective meaning 'want to do'. For the speaker's desire.
Polite form of 〜たい.
映画を見たいです。
I want to watch a movie.
Used to describe a third person's desire to do something. Not for the speaker.
彼はいつも外に出たがる。
He always wants to go outside.
Expressing a desire for another person to perform an action.
Used when the speaker wants someone else to do something. The person is marked with に.
彼に手伝ってほしい。
I want him to help me.
先生に教えてほしいです。
I want the teacher to teach me.
Similar to 〜てほしい but emphasizes receiving the action. Slightly more polite.
この書類をチェックしてもらいたいです。
I would like you to check these documents.
Humble form of 〜てもらいたい. Very polite, used in business.
ご確認いただきたいです。
I would like you to check it (humble).
Expressing a wish for a situation or state, not a direct action.
Expresses a hope that something will happen. Often used with な at the end for casual emphasis.
明日晴れるといいな。
I hope it's sunny tomorrow.
試験に合格するといいですね。
I hope you pass the exam.
Similar to 〜といい, but often implies a suggestion or a condition. Can sound like 'it would be good if...'
もっと勉強すればいいのに。
If only you would study more.
Expressing a desire to possess or experience something, often using 'have' in English.
Same as wanting an object. Covers 'want to have'.
自分の家が欲しい。
I want to have my own house.
Expresses wanting to try doing something. 'Want to have the experience of...'
富士山に登ってみたい。
I want to try climbing Mt. Fuji.
Politely expressing desire without being too direct, common in Japanese culture.
Adding んですが or んですけど softens the statement, implying a request or seeking agreement. Very natural.
ちょっと休みたいんですが。
I'd like to take a break (if that's okay).
Softens a request for an object.
この本が欲しいんですが。
I'd like this book (if possible).
Phrasing a desire as a negative question is very polite and indirect.
お茶でも飲みませんか？
Would you like some tea? (lit. Won't you drink tea?)
Asking someone what they want.
Casual. Asking 'What do you want?' (object).
誕生日に何が欲しい？
What do you want for your birthday?
Casual. Asking 'What do you want to do?'
週末何をしたい？
What do you want to do this weekend?
Polite form.
お飲み物は何が欲しいですか？
What would you like to drink?
Polite form.
将来何をしたいですか？
What do you want to do in the future?
In Japanese, you cannot directly state someone else's internal desire using 欲しい or 〜たい. Use 欲しがる/たがる, or report it as hearsay (〜そうだ, 〜と言っていた).
彼は新しい車を欲しがっている。
He wants a new car.
彼女は行きたいと言っていた。
She said she wants to go.
欲しい is for wanting objects (nouns). 〜たい is for wanting to do actions (verbs). Do not mix them up.
Adding と思う (I think) makes the desire sound less assertive and more thoughtful. Common in formal speech.
留学したいと思います。
I think I want to study abroad.