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A1 suffix #350 الأكثر شيوعاً 10 دقيقة للقراءة

〜たい

~tai الأكثر شيوعاً #350

At the A1 level, learners focus on the most basic and direct use of 〜たい (-tai). This involves taking simple, everyday verbs like 'eat' (taberu), 'drink' (nomu), and 'go' (iku) and attaching -tai to express immediate needs or simple preferences. The focus is on the speaker's own desires in the present moment. Learners are taught to use the 'masu-stem' + 'tai' formula and to add 'desu' to remain polite. At this stage, the nuances of particle choice (o vs ga) are introduced but not strictly enforced, as the primary goal is successful communication of a basic 'want.' Examples include 'Mizu o nomitai desu' (I want to drink water) or 'Terebi o mitai desu' (I want to watch TV). The negative form '-takunai' is also introduced to express what the learner does not want to do, which is essential for basic survival and social interaction in Japan.

At the A2 level, the learner's use of 〜たい (-tai) expands to include more varied contexts and slightly more complex grammar. Learners begin to use -tai in the past tense (-takatta) to talk about things they wanted to do but perhaps didn't, or to describe past motivations. The distinction between 'o' and 'ga' becomes more important, with learners encouraged to use 'ga' to emphasize the object of their desire. A2 learners also start to combine -tai with basic conjunctions like 'kara' (because) to give reasons for their actions, such as 'Nihon-ryouri ga tabetai kara, resutoran ni ikimasu' (Because I want to eat Japanese food, I'm going to a restaurant). They also learn to ask others about their desires using the question form '-tai desu ka?', while being cautioned about the social appropriateness of doing so with superiors.

At the B1 level, learners move beyond simple desire and start using 〜たい (-tai) as part of more complex sentence structures. This includes using -tai in conditional sentences (e.g., '-takattara' - if you want to do...) and embedding it into noun-modifying clauses (e.g., 'ikitai basho' - a place I want to go). B1 learners are also introduced to the third-person equivalent, '~tagaru,' and learn the strict rules governing when to use -tai versus when to use expressions like '~to itte iru' (they say they want to). The focus shifts toward sounding more natural and adult-like, which involves softening direct desires with phrases like '~tai to omotte imasu' (I am thinking that I want to...), which suggests a more long-term or considered desire rather than a fleeting whim.

At the B2 level, the focus is on the subtle social and psychological nuances of expressing desire. Learners study how to use 〜たい (-tai) in professional settings, often learning when *not* to use it in favor of more humble or indirect expressions. They explore the use of -tai in rhetorical questions and in expressing abstract desires (e.g., 'heiwa na yo no naka ni shitai' - I want to make the world a peaceful place). The level also covers the use of -tai in literary or formal written contexts, where it might appear in the form of '~tai mono da' to express a strong, general longing or a deep-seated wish. Learners at this level are expected to handle the conjugation of -tai perfectly, even when it is buried deep within complex, multi-clause sentences.

At the C1 level, learners explore the philosophical and stylistic applications of 〜たい (-tai). This includes analyzing its use in classical-style modern Japanese or in highly specific registers like legal or academic writing (though rare, it appears in specific expressions of intent). C1 learners study the historical development of the suffix and its relationship to other desiderative forms. They also master the use of -tai in expressing 'counter-factual' desires in complex hypothetical scenarios, often combined with advanced grammar like '~mono nara' (if only I could...). The focus is on total mastery of tone; a C1 learner knows exactly how to modulate their expression of desire to be persuasive, humble, or assertive depending on the specific cultural and situational context.

At the C2 level, the learner possesses a native-like intuition for 〜たい (-tai). They can appreciate the use of the suffix in high literature, poetry, and nuanced political discourse. They understand how the choice of -tai over other forms can signal subtle shifts in a speaker's psychological state or their relationship with the listener. C2 learners can use -tai to convey irony, sarcasm, or deep emotional pathos. They are also fully aware of regional variations or archaic uses that might appear in specific dialects or historical dramas. At this level, the suffix is no longer a 'rule' to be followed but a versatile tool for creative and sophisticated expression, used with the same ease and nuance as a highly educated native speaker.

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

〜たい في 30 ثانية

Expresses personal desire to perform an action.
Attaches to the masu-stem of verbs (e.g., tabe-tai).
Conjugates like an i-adjective (takunai, takatta).
Primarily used for the first person (I want).

The Japanese suffix 〜たい (-tai) is the primary way to express a personal desire to perform an action. In English, we translate this as "I want to [verb]" or "I would like to [verb]." It is one of the most fundamental building blocks of Japanese communication because it allows speakers to share their intentions, needs, and dreams. Unlike the word hoshii, which is used for wanting physical objects, -tai is strictly attached to verbs to indicate the desire to do something.

Core Function: Attaches to the continuative form (masu-stem) of a verb to turn an action into a state of desire.
Grammatical Category: Once attached, the entire word functions as an i-adjective, meaning it follows i-adjective conjugation rules for negative and past forms.

日本に行きたいです (Nihon ni ikitai desu). I want to go to Japan.

This suffix is ubiquitous in daily life. Whether you are at a restaurant deciding what to eat, talking to a friend about your weekend plans, or discussing your career goals in an interview, -tai is your go-to tool. However, it carries a specific nuance: it is generally used for the speaker's own desires. In Japanese culture, claiming to know exactly what someone else wants is considered slightly presumptuous, so -tai is rarely used for third parties without additional modifiers like ~to itte iru (they say they want to) or changing the suffix to ~tagaru.

In social settings, the level of politeness is adjusted by adding desu after -tai. Without desu, it is casual and suitable for friends. With desu, it is polite enough for most daily interactions with strangers or colleagues. For very formal situations, such as speaking to a high-ranking CEO, speakers often shift to even more humble expressions like ~itashitaku zonjimasu, but for 95% of your Japanese journey, -tai will serve you perfectly.

お寿司が食べたいです (Osushi ga tabetai desu). I want to eat sushi.

Emotional Resonance: It expresses a direct, internal feeling. Using it conveys a sense of honesty and personal intent.

Understanding -tai is the first step toward moving beyond simple descriptions of the world and into the realm of expressing your own personality and will. It transforms a simple verb like 'to see' (miru) into a statement of curiosity: 'I want to see' (mitai). This simple shift opens up endless possibilities for conversation, from asking for help ('I want to know...') to sharing dreams ('I want to become...').

Using 〜たい (-tai) requires a two-step process: first, you must conjugate the verb into its 'stem' form, and second, you must treat the resulting word as an i-adjective. This dual nature is what makes it unique in Japanese grammar.

Step 1: The Masu-Stem: For Group 1 (U-verbs), change the final 'u' sound to 'i' (e.g., iku -> iki). For Group 2 (Ru-verbs), simply drop the 'ru' (e.g., taberu -> tabe). For irregulars, 'suru' becomes 'shi' and 'kuru' becomes 'ki'.

勉強したい (Benkyou shitai). I want to study.

Once you have the stem, you add -tai. Now, the verb has become an adjective. This means if you want to say you *didn't* want to do something, you don't use verb endings; you use adjective endings. The 'i' at the end of -tai changes to -kunai for the negative, -katta for the past, and -kunakatta for the negative past.

Conjugation Table: Affirmative: Tabetai (Want to eat)
Negative: Tabetakunai (Don't want to eat)
Past: Tabetakatta (Wanted to eat)
Negative Past: Tabetakunakatta (Didn't want to eat)

Another important aspect is the 'subject' of the sentence. In Japanese, the subject 'I' (watashi wa) is often omitted if it's clear from context. Because -tai is so strongly associated with the speaker's own feelings, simply saying 'Ikitai desu' is perfectly understood as 'I want to go.' If you are asking a question, like 'Ikitai desu ka?', it naturally shifts to 'Do you want to go?'.

何もしたくないです (Nani mo shitakunai desu). I don't want to do anything.

Finally, remember that -tai is a 'stative' expression. It describes a state of being (the state of wanting), not an action itself. This is why it pairs so well with desu. Even in the middle of a sentence, you can use it to provide reasons: 'Ikitai kara, ikimasu' (Because I want to go, I will go). Mastering this suffix allows you to layer your sentences with motivation and purpose.

You will hear 〜たい (-tai) everywhere in Japan, from the bustling streets of Shibuya to the quietest rural tea houses. It is the heartbeat of social interaction. In restaurants, you'll hear customers murmuring to themselves or their companions, 'A, kore tabetai!' (Oh, I want to eat this!) as they look at the menu. It's a natural, reflexive expression of interest.

In the workplace, -tai is used to express professional goals or immediate needs, though often softened with desu or to omoimasu (I think that...). A junior employee might say, 'Atarashii purojekuto ni sanka shitai desu' (I want to participate in the new project). This shows initiative while remaining grammatically standard. However, you'll notice that superiors rarely use -tai when giving orders; they use imperatives or requests, while -tai remains the language of personal aspiration.

早く帰りたいなあ (Hayaku kaeritai naa). Man, I really want to go home early.

Pop culture is saturated with -tai. Anime protagonists are famous for their declarations of desire: 'Tsuyoku naritai!' (I want to become strong!) or 'Hokage ni naritai!' (I want to become the Hokage!). These phrases define the character's entire arc. In J-Pop lyrics, -tai is used to express longing, love, and the pain of separation: 'Aitai' (I want to meet/see you) is perhaps one of the most common song titles and lyrics in the history of Japanese music.

On social media, you'll see it used in hashtags like #ryokouikitai (want to go on a trip) or #kekkonshitai (want to get married). It's a way for people to broadcast their current 'mood' or 'vibe' to their followers. In these contexts, the desu is almost always dropped for brevity and a more 'raw' emotional feel.

Lastly, in travel and tourism, you'll see -tai on posters and advertisements. 'Hokkaido ni ikitai' (Want to go to Hokkaido) is a classic ad slogan designed to trigger the viewer's own travel desires. It's a persuasive tool because it mirrors the internal monologue of the consumer. By learning -tai, you aren't just learning a grammar point; you're learning how to tap into the collective desires of Japanese society.

While 〜たい (-tai) is simple in concept, there are several pitfalls that English speakers frequently fall into. The most common mistake is using -tai to describe someone else's desire. In English, we say "He wants to go" just as easily as "I want to go." In Japanese, however, -tai is reserved for the self. To say "He wants to go," you must use ikitagatte iru or ikitai to itte iru.

Mistake 1: Third-Person Desire: Incorrect: Tanaka-san wa sushi o tabetai desu. (Tanaka wants to eat sushi.)
Correct: Tanaka-san wa sushi o tabetagatte imasu.

Another frequent error involves the confusion between -tai and hoshii. Remember: -tai is for actions (verbs), and hoshii is for objects (nouns). You cannot say 'Kuruma o tai'; you must say 'Kuruma ga hoshii' (I want a car) or 'Kuruma o kaitai' (I want to buy a car).

Incorrect: 水をたい (Mizu o tai).
Correct: 水が飲みたい (Mizu ga nomitai).

Conjugation mistakes are also common. Because -tai comes from a verb, beginners often try to conjugate the negative as -taimasen or the past as -taimashita. This is incorrect. Once -tai is added, the word is an i-adjective. You must use -takunai and -takatta. Treating it like a verb is a hallmark of early-stage learners.

Mistake 2: Verb-style Conjugation: Incorrect: Ikitaimasen. (I don't want to go.)
Correct: Ikitakunai desu.

Finally, there is the issue of politeness. Using -tai directly to a superior can sometimes sound too blunt or demanding. If you say to your boss, 'Yasumi o toritai desu' (I want to take a break), it's grammatically correct but very direct. In such cases, it's often better to use a request form like 'Yasumi o itadakereba to omoimasu' (I was thinking if I could receive a break). Understanding the social weight of -tai is just as important as the grammar itself.

While 〜たい (-tai) is the standard for 'wanting to do,' several other expressions cover similar ground with different nuances. Understanding these will make your Japanese sound more natural and sophisticated.

~Tagaru: Used for third-person desires. It suggests that the person is showing outward signs of wanting something. 'Tabetagaru' means 'He/she seems to want to eat.'
~Te hoshii: Used when you want *someone else* to do something. 'Tabete hoshii' means 'I want you to eat.'

もっと話してほしい (Motto hanashite hoshii). I want you to talk more.

Another alternative is ~you to omou (I think I will...). This is often used to express a plan or intention rather than a raw desire. While -tai is 'I want to,' ~you to omou is 'I intend to.' In business contexts, this is often preferred because it sounds more planned and less impulsive. For example, 'Ikou to omoimasu' (I think I'll go) sounds more professional than 'Ikitai desu'.

Comparison: Tai vs. Hoshii: Tai: Verb-based (Action). 'Ikitai' (Want to go).
Hoshii: Noun-based (Object). 'Hon ga hoshii' (Want a book).

For very strong, almost desperate desires, Japanese uses words like setsubou suru (to long for) or netsubou suru (to yearn for). These are formal and literary. In contrast, -tai is the everyday, neutral choice. There is also the suffix ~tagari, which describes a person who always wants to do something (e.g., medatagari - someone who wants to stand out, a show-off).

Finally, consider the 'volitional' form (e.g., ikou, tabeyou). This is used for 'let's' or 'I shall.' While it doesn't express 'want' directly, it expresses the *will* to act, which is a close cousin to desire. By navigating these alternatives, you can precisely tune the emotional and social frequency of your Japanese speech.

How Formal Is It?

رسمي

"一度お目にかかりたいと存じます。"

محايد

"日本料理が食べたいです。"

غير رسمي

"明日、遊びたい！"

Child friendly

"お菓子がたべたいなー！"

عامية

"まじ帰りたい。"

حقيقة ممتعة

In some western Japanese dialects (like Kansai-ben), you might hear '〜たい' replaced by '〜たいなぁ' or variations like '〜たいわ', but the core suffix remains remarkably consistent across Japan.

دليل النطق

UK /taɪ/

US /taɪ/

The stress is usually flat in Japanese, but the 'ta' and 'i' are distinct syllables.

يتقافى مع

Ai (Love) Kai (Shell) Sai (Age) Mai (Every) Dai (Big) Nai (Non-existent) Wai (Y-axis) Hai (Yes)

أخطاء شائعة

Pronouncing it like 'tay' (rhyming with 'day').
Blending the 'a' and 'i' too much into a single English long 'i'.
Stressing the 'tai' too heavily at the end of a sentence.
Forgetting to pronounce the 'u' in 'takunai' clearly.
Mumbling the 'k' in the negative and past forms.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it always follows a verb stem.

الكتابة 2/5

Requires knowledge of verb stems and i-adjective conjugations.

التحدث 2/5

Natural usage requires understanding the first-person restriction.

الاستماع 1/5

The 'tai' sound is very distinct at the end of verb phrases.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

です (desu) ます (masu) 行く (iku) 食べる (taberu) 飲む (nomu)

تعلّم لاحقاً

〜たがる (tagaru) 〜てほしい (te hoshii) 〜ようと思う (you to omou) 〜ながら (nagara) 〜たことがある (ta koto ga aru)

متقدم

〜たいものだ (tai mono da) 〜たくて仕方がない (takute shikata ga nai) 〜たいばかりに (tai bakari ni) 〜たいところだが (tai tokoro da ga) 〜たさ (tasa - noun form)

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Verb Masu-stem + たい

読みます -> 読み + たい = 読みたい

Object + が + たい (Emphasis on object)

水が飲みたい。

Object + を + たい (Focus on action)

水を飲みたい。

Tai-form + Noun (Adjectival use)

見たい映画 (A movie I want to see)

Tai-form + から (Giving a reason)

行きたいから行きます。

أمثلة حسب المستوى

お茶が飲みたいです。

I want to drink tea.

Uses the masu-stem of 'nomu' (nomi) + tai.

お寿司が食べたい。

I want to eat sushi.

Casual form without 'desu'.

日本に行きたいです。

I want to go to Japan.

Standard polite form expressing a travel goal.

テレビが見たいです。

I want to watch TV.

Direct expression of an immediate activity.

今日は働きたくないです。

I don't want to work today.

Negative form '-takunai' expressing lack of desire.

新しい靴が買いたい。

I want to buy new shoes.

Using 'ga' to emphasize the object 'shoes'.

早く寝たいです。

I want to go to bed early.

Adverb 'hayaku' (early) modifying the verb-desire.

日本語を話したいです。

I want to speak Japanese.

Expressing a skill-based desire.

昨日は映画が見たかったです。

I wanted to watch a movie yesterday.

Past tense '-takatta' used for a past desire.

どこかへ行きたいですか？

Do you want to go somewhere?

Question form used in a casual/polite conversation.

お腹が空いたから、何か食べたいです。

I'm hungry, so I want to eat something.

Using 'kara' to provide a reason for the desire.

刺身は食べたくなかったです。

I didn't want to eat sashimi.

Negative past form '-takunakatta'.

もっと練習したいと思っています。

I am thinking that I want to practice more.

Softening the desire with 'to omotte imasu'.

海で泳ぎたいです。

I want to swim in the sea.

Specifying the location of the desired action with 'de'.

先生に会いたいです。

I want to meet the teacher.

Using 'ni' for the person one wants to meet.

この本が読みたかったけど、時間がありませんでした。

I wanted to read this book, but I didn't have time.

Combining past desire with a contrasting clause using 'kedo'.

いつか世界一周旅行がしたいです。

I want to travel around the world someday.

Expressing a long-term, ambitious goal.

日本で働きたい理由は何ですか？

What is the reason you want to work in Japan?

Using '-tai' as a noun modifier for 'riyuu' (reason).

もし時間があれば、もっとゆっくり話したいです。

If I had time, I'd like to talk more leisurely.

Combining a conditional 'ba' clause with a desire.

彼は留学したがっています。

He seems to want to study abroad.

Using '~tagaru' for a third person's desire.

食べたいものを何でも選んでください。

Please choose whatever you want to eat.

Using '-tai' to modify the noun 'mono' (thing).

本当のことを言いたくなかったのですが...

I didn't want to tell the truth, but...

Using the negative past to explain a difficult situation.

将来、自分の会社を作りたいと考えています。

I am considering that I want to start my own company in the future.

Using 'to kangaete imasu' for a professional intention.

誰にも会いたくない時があります。

There are times when I don't want to see anyone.

Using '-tai' in a 'toki' (time) clause.

一度、富士山に登ってみたいです。

I want to try climbing Mt. Fuji once.

Combining the 'te-form' + 'miru' (try) with 'tai'.

皆様に感謝の気持ちを伝えたいと思います。

I would like to express my gratitude to everyone.

Formal expression of intent in a speech.

もっと早く気づきたかったのですが、遅すぎました。

I wish I had realized it sooner, but it was too late.

Using past desire to express regret (counter-factual).

この問題について、もっと詳しく知りたいです。

I want to know more details about this problem.

Using 'tai' to express intellectual curiosity.

彼が何をしたいのか、さっぱり分かりません。

I have no idea what he wants to do.

Embedded question 'nani o shitai no ka'.

できることなら、もう一度やり直したい。

If possible, I want to start over again.

Strong personal wish using 'dekiru koto nara'.

この伝統を後世に伝えていきたいと考えております。

We are thinking that we want to pass this tradition on to future generations.

Humble/formal 'te-ikitai' expressing a continuous desire.

どうしてもその映画が見たくなって、映画館へ走った。

I suddenly felt a strong urge to see that movie and ran to the theater.

Using '~tai' + 'naru' (to become) to show a change in state.

この作品を通じて、平和の尊さを訴えたいと考えております。

Through this work, I intend to appeal for the preciousness of peace.

Highly formal expression of artistic or social intent.

死ぬまでには、一度はオーロラを見てみたいものだ。

I certainly would like to see the Aurora Borealis at least once before I die.

Using '~tai mono da' to express a deep, universal longing.

その真意を問いたいところだが、今は控えておこう。

I'd like to question the true meaning, but I'll hold back for now.

Using '~tai tokoro da' to express a desire that is being restrained.

彼は、自らの過ちを認めたいという気持ちがあるようだ。

It seems he has a feeling that he wants to admit his own mistakes.

Abstract noun modification 'mitametai to iu kimochi'.

一刻も早く、被災地の復興を成し遂げたいと願っています。

I pray that we can achieve the reconstruction of the disaster area as soon as possible.

Combining 'tai' with 'negau' (to pray/wish) for strong emphasis.

若いうちに、もっと多くの苦労をしておきたかった。

I wish I had experienced more hardships while I was young.

Using '~te okitai' in the past to express a strategic regret.

誰もが自分らしく生きられる社会を実現したい。

I want to realize a society where everyone can live as themselves.

Expressing a high-level social vision.

君の力を借りたいと言えば、君はどう答えるだろうか。

If I were to say I want to borrow your strength, how would you answer?

Using 'tai' in a hypothetical interpersonal scenario.

万感の思いを込めて、この一曲を捧げたい。

With a heart full of countless emotions, I wish to dedicate this song.

Poetic and deeply emotional use of 'tai'.

科学の進歩が人類の幸福に寄与することを、切に願ってやまない。

I cannot help but fervently wish that scientific progress contributes to human happiness.

While not using 'tai' directly, this shows the C2 equivalent of desire.

この静寂を、誰にも邪魔されたくないという切実な願い。

A desperate wish that this silence not be disturbed by anyone.

Using the negative 'tai' to express a protective desire.

過去を清算し、新たな一歩を踏み出したいという彼の決意は固い。

His determination to settle the past and take a new step is firm.

Using 'tai' to define a character's core resolve.

言葉では言い尽くせない感謝を、行動で示したい。

I want to show through my actions the gratitude that words cannot fully express.

Contrasting verbal desire with physical action.

真理を追究したいという情熱こそが、彼を動かしている。

It is precisely the passion to pursue the truth that drives him.

Desire as the fundamental engine of human motivation.

たとえ報われずとも、己の信じる道を突き進みたい。

Even if I am not rewarded, I want to push forward on the path I believe in.

Using 'tai' to express stoic, unyielding will.

一期一会の出会いを大切にし、この瞬間を刻み込みたい。

I want to cherish this once-in-a-lifetime encounter and etch this moment into my heart.

Using 'tai' to express the ephemeral nature of human connection.

تلازمات شائعة

〜てみたい

〜に行きたい

〜が食べたい

〜になりたい

〜を知りたい

〜に会いたい

〜を見たい

〜を辞めたい

〜を教えたい

〜を忘れたい

العبارات الشائعة

帰りたい

会いたい

やってみたい

死ぬほど〜たい

〜ておきたい

見てみたい

話したいことがある

一人になりたい

勝ちたい

知られたくない

يُخلط عادةً مع

〜たい vs ほしい (hoshii)

Hoshii is for wanting things (nouns), while -tai is for wanting to do things (verbs).

〜たい vs 〜たがる (tagaru)

-tai is for yourself; -tagaru is for others.

〜たい vs 〜てほしい (te hoshii)

-tai means 'I want to do it'; -te hoshii means 'I want you to do it'.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"喉から手が出るほど〜たい"

To want something so badly that a hand might come out of your throat to grab it.

あの時計が喉から手が出るほど買いたい。

Idiomatic/Casual

"穴があったら入りたい"

To want to crawl into a hole (out of extreme embarrassment).

恥ずかしくて穴があったら入りたいです。

Common Idiom

"一旗揚げたい"

To want to start a new venture or make a name for oneself.

都会に出て一旗揚げたい。

Ambitious/Slightly Dated

"一泡吹かせたい"

To want to give someone a surprise or a shock (usually to a rival).

ライバルに一泡吹かせたい。

Competitive

"白黒つけたい"

To want to settle something once and for all (make it black and white).

この勝負で白黒つけたい。

Determined

"一矢報いたい"

To want to strike back or get a small revenge.

負けそうだが、一矢報いたい。

Resilient

"爪の垢を煎じて飲みたい"

To want to follow someone's example (literally: brew and drink their fingernail dirt).

彼の勤勉さの爪の垢を煎じて飲みたい。

Respectful/Idiomatic

"土俵に上がりたい"

To want to get into the ring (start competing/participating).

早くプロの土俵に上がりたい。

Metaphorical

"一皮むけたい"

To want to grow or mature (literally: shed a skin).

この経験を通して一皮むけたい。

Personal Growth

"恩を返したい"

To want to repay a favor or debt of gratitude.

お世話になった人に恩を返したい。

Virtuous

سهل الخلط

〜たい vs 〜たい

Both express desire.

〜たい is for actions (verbs).

お茶を飲みたい。

〜たい vs ほしい

Both express desire.

ほしい is for objects (nouns).

お茶がほしい。

〜たい vs 〜たがる

Both express desire.

〜たがる is for 3rd person observation.

彼は飲みたがっている。

〜たい vs 〜たいと思う

Both express desire.

〜たいと思う is more polite and less direct.

行きたいと思います。

〜たい vs 〜よう

Both involve intention.

〜よう is the volitional form ('let's' or 'I shall').

行こう！

أنماط الجُمل

[Noun] が食べたいです。

りんごが食べたいです。

[Place] へ行きたいです。

東京へ行きたいです。

[Verb-stem] たかったです。

昨日、休みたかったです。

[Verb-stem] たくないです。

今日は歩きたくないです。

[Verb-stem] たいと思っています。

留学したいと思っています。

[Verb-stem] たい時、[Action]。

泣きたい時、この歌を聴きます。

[Verb-stem] たくてたまりません。

家族に会いたくてたまりません。

[Verb-stem] たいものだ。

平和な世界を見たいものだ。

عائلة الكلمة

الصفات

مرتبط

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Extremely frequent in daily conversation, media, and literature.

أخطاء شائعة

Tanaka-san wa ikitai desu. → Tanaka-san wa ikitagatte imasu.
You cannot use 'tai' for a third person's desire in a direct statement.
Kuruma o tai desu. → Kuruma ga hoshii desu.
'Tai' must be attached to a verb. For objects, use 'hoshii'.
Ikitaimasen. → Ikitakunai desu.
'Tai' conjugates like an i-adjective, not a verb.
Ikitai deshita. → Ikitakatta desu.
The past tense of an i-adjective is '-katta', not '-deshita'.
Anata ni tabetai. → Anata ni tabete hoshii.
'Tai' means the speaker wants to do the action. To want someone else to do it, use '~te hoshii'.

نصائح

Stem Mastery

Mastering the masu-stem is key. If you can conjugate to 'masu', you can conjugate to 'tai'. Just swap 'masu' for 'tai'!

Softening Desires

Adults often add 'to omoimasu' (I think) after 'tai' to sound less impulsive. 'Ikitai desu' -> 'Ikitai to omoimasu'.

Ga vs O

Use 'ga' when you are really craving something specific. 'Sushi GA tabetai!' (It's sushi I want!)

Third Person Rule

Never use 'tai' for others in a statement. It's like claiming to be a mind reader. Use '~tagaru' instead.

Intonation

Keep the pitch relatively flat. Don't put a heavy stress on the 'TAI' unless you are being very emphatic.

Connecting Sentences

Use the 'te-form' of 'tai', which is 'takute', to give reasons. 'Samukute, kaeritai' (It's cold and I want to go home).

Try it out!

Combine 'tai' with 'miru' (to see/try) to get 'te-mitai' (I want to try doing...). This is incredibly common.

Catch the 'Katta'

If you hear 'takatta', the person is talking about a past desire. Often followed by 'but...' (kedo).

Asking Questions

When asking 'Nani ga tabetai?' to a friend, it's a friendly way to decide on a meal. It's very common among peers.

The Adjective Trick

Always remember 'tai' is an i-adjective. If you know how to say 'not cold' (samukunai), you know how to say 'don't want to go' (ikitakunai).

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of a 'Tie'. When you want to win a game, you might end up in a 'tie', but you really 'TAI' (want) to win!

ربط بصري

Imagine yourself reaching out for a delicious bowl of ramen. As you reach, you say 'Tabe-TAI!' The reaching motion represents the desire.

Word Web

Ikitai (Go) Tabetai (Eat) Nomitai (Drink) Mitai (See) Shitai (Do) Kaitai (Buy) Naritai (Become) Aitai (Meet)

تحدٍّ

Try to list five things you want to do this weekend using the '〜たいです' form. Then, turn them all into the negative '〜たくないです' form.

أصل الكلمة

The suffix 〜たい evolved from the Classical Japanese auxiliary verb 'tashi'. Over centuries, the 'sh' sound was lost in many contexts, leading to the modern 'tai'.

المعنى الأصلي: In Classical Japanese, 'tashi' expressed a similar sense of desire or hope.

Japonic

السياق الثقافي

Avoid using '〜たい' when asking a superior what they want to do. Use 'Nani o nasaimasu ka?' (What will you do?) instead.

English speakers are used to saying 'He wants to go' directly. Learning to use '~tagaru' or indirect phrases is a major hurdle for learners.

The song 'Aitai' by various artists (e.g., Chikuzen Sato, Moshimo). Naruto's catchphrase: 'Hokage ni ore wa naru!' (which implies 'naritai'). The movie 'Ikiru' (To Live), which explores the desire to truly live ('ikitai').

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

At a Restaurant

何が食べたいですか？
お勧めが知りたいです。
デザートも食べたいです。
お酒は飲みたくないです。

Travel Planning

京都に行きたいです。
温泉に入りたいです。
写真をたくさん撮りたい。
どこか静かな所へ行きたい。

Job Interview

貴社で働きたいです。
スキルを活かしたいです。
新しいことに挑戦したい。
チームに貢献したいです。

Socializing

また会いたいです。
もっと話したいです。
一緒に遊びたいね。
連絡先を知りたいです。

Feeling Unwell

早く帰りたいです。
横になりたい。
何も食べたくない。
病院に行きたいです。

بدايات محادثة

"週末、何をしたいですか？ (What do you want to do this weekend?)"

"日本でどこに一番行きたいですか？ (Where in Japan do you want to go most?)"

"今、何が一番食べたい気分ですか？ (What do you feel like eating most right now?)"

"将来、どんな仕事をしたいですか？ (What kind of work do you want to do in the future?)"

"新しく始めたい趣味はありますか？ (Is there a new hobby you want to start?)"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

今日、本当はしたかったけれどできなかったことを書いてください。 (Write about something you wanted to do today but couldn't.)

十年後の自分はどうなっていたいですか？ (How do you want to be ten years from now?)

宝くじが当たったら、何をしたいですか？ (If you won the lottery, what would you want to do?)

死ぬまでに絶対に行きたい場所を三つ挙げてください。 (List three places you absolutely want to go before you die.)

今、誰に一番会いたいですか？その理由も書いてください。 (Who do you want to see most right now? Write the reason too.)

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

It's grammatically correct but socially risky. Using it directly can sound demanding. It's better to use '〜たいと考えております' or a request form like '〜させていただけないでしょうか'.

Both are correct. 'Ga' emphasizes the object (the 'what'), while 'o' focuses more on the action (the 'doing'). In modern Japanese, 'o' is becoming more common, but 'ga' is still very standard for basic desires like food or drink.

You cannot use 'Ikitai' for him. You must say 'Ikitagatte imasu' (He shows signs of wanting to go) or 'Ikitai to itte imasu' (He says he wants to go).

It is an auxiliary that turns a verb into an i-adjective. This is why it conjugates to '-takunai' and '-takatta' rather than verb endings.

Since we can't know an animal's internal state, we usually use '~tagaru'. For example, 'Inu ga sanpo ni ikitagatte iru' (The dog seems to want to go for a walk).

The most common polite negative is '〜たくないです'. You can also use the more formal '〜たくありません'.

Yes. Drop 'suru' and add 'shitai'. For example, 'Benkyou shitai' (I want to study).

Use the past tense: 'Ikitakatta desu ga, ikimasen deshita'.

Yes, it's very common. You can use the casual '〜たい' without 'desu' in your personal journal.

No. For that, you must use the '~te hoshii' form. '〜たい' only refers to the speaker's own action.