Translation guide
Expresses desire to perform an action. The most common pattern uses the 〜たい form of verbs. Other patterns express third-person desires, volition, or wanting someone else to act.
I want to go.
I want to eat sushi.
I want you to come.
Expressing the speaker's own desire to perform an action.
Attach たい to the ます-stem of a verb. This is the standard way to say 'I want to V'. It conjugates like an い-adjective.
I want to go to Japan.
I want to buy a new car.
Softer, more indirect than plain 〜たい. Often used in formal or written contexts.
I'm thinking I'd like to study abroad.
Used to express a desire while seeking permission, advice, or assistance. Softens the statement.
I'd like to take a break (if that's okay).
Expressing a third person's desire. Direct use of 〜たい is generally avoided because it sounds presumptuous.
Used to describe observable signs that someone else wants to do something. Based on the 〜たい form.
Expressing desire for another person to perform an action.
Used when you want someone else to do something. The person you want to act is marked with に.
Expressing a desire to attempt an action, often for the first time or as an experience.
Combines 〜てみる (try doing) with 〜たい. Implies curiosity or a wish to experience something.
Formal or literary expressions of desire.
Very formal/literary. Often used in official statements or writing.
Using 〜たい directly for a third person (e.g., 彼は行きたい) sounds overly assertive about their internal state. Use 〜たがっている or hearsay forms instead.
He wants to go. (unnatural)
My younger brother wants to buy a game (he's showing signs).
Hearsay: 'I heard that someone wants to V'. Uses the 〜たい form + そうだ.
I heard she wants to study abroad.
Quoting what someone said about their desire. Literally 'says that they want to V'.
He says he wants to see a movie.
I want the teacher to teach me.
I want him to come.
Similar to 〜てほしい but with a nuance of receiving a favor. More polite.
I'd like you to help me.
I want to try climbing Mt. Fuji.
I want to try speaking in Japanese.
Many people desire peace.
Humble expression (kenjougo) used in business settings to express one's own desire.
I would like you to consider it.
○ 彼は行きたがっている。
He wants to go. (natural)
〜たい is for your own actions. 〜てほしい is for wanting someone else to act. Confusing them leads to unnatural sentences.
I want to eat.
I want him to eat.