JLPT N4 reference · Verb extensions
たい and ほしい
Both behave like い-adjectives and normally express the speaker’s own directly known desire.
Core meaning and form
Use the verb stem + たい for the speaker’s desire to act; use noun + がほしい for a desired thing. For another person, report observable appearance with たがっている or explain the source.
- Form: Use the verb stem + たい for the speaker’s desire to act; use noun + がほしい for a desired thing.
- Core use: Both behave like い-adjectives and normally express the speaker’s own directly known desire.
- Context: For another person, report observable appearance with たがっている or explain the source.
Examples in context
日本へ行きたいです。Nihon e ikitai desu.I want to go to Japan.
新しいパソコンがほしいです。Atarashii pasokon ga hoshii desu.I want a new computer.
弟は外で遊びたがっています。Otōto wa soto de asobitagatte imasu.My younger brother seems eager to play outside.
Common errors
- Do not select this pattern from an English translation alone; check its attachment and discourse function.
- Keep the surrounding sentence in a consistent plain, polite, spoken, or written register.
Quick summary
- Use the verb stem + たい for the speaker’s desire to act; use noun + がほしい for a desired thing.
- Both behave like い-adjectives and normally express the speaker’s own directly known desire.
- For another person, report observable appearance with たがっている or explain the source.