Japanese Grammar: How to Say “I Want” in Japanese

Wanting in Japanese – 4 Essential Grammar Patterns!

Tired of only saying “すき”? Want to express what you or someone else wants clearly and naturally?
These slides break down the most useful expressions for showing desire in Japanese.

1. 〜たい
Use when you want to do something.

新しい車を買いたい。(I want to buy a new car.)

勉強したくない。(I don’t want to study.)

2. 〜がほしい
Use when you want a thing (noun).

お金がほしいです。(I want money.)

母の車がほしくない。(I don’t want mom’s car.)

3. 〜てほしい
Used when you want someone else to do something.

やめてほしい。(I want you to stop.)

乗ってほしくない。(I don’t want you to ride it.)

4. 〜たがる
Used when talking about what someone else wants to do.

子ネコはミルクを飲みたがります。(The cat wants to drink milk.)

食べたがらない。([He/She] doesn’t want to eat.)

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