Processing keyword: ～てほしい (〜te hoshii)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～てほしい (〜te hoshii)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ～てほしい (〜te hoshii), which is used to express a desire for someone else to do something. This structure is essential for conveying your wishes or requests regarding others' actions in a natural and polite manner.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

～てほしい means "I want someone to do something." It expresses the speaker's desire for another person to perform a specific action.

Structure

To construct a sentence with ～てほしい, follow this pattern:

[Person] に + [Verb in て-form] + ほしい

• [Person] に: The person you want to perform the action.
• [Verb in て-form]: The action you desire them to do.
• ほしい: Expresses the speaker's desire.

Formation Diagram

Component	Function
[Person] に	Indicates the person you want to do the action
[Verb in て-form]	The action you want them to perform
ほしい	Expresses that you want them to perform the action
Example:

• 友達に　+　手伝って　+　ほしい。

  I want my friend to help.

3. Comparative Analysis

～たい vs. ～てほしい

• ～たい (〜tai): Used when you want to do something yourself.
  • Example: 映画を見たい。
    • I want to watch a movie.
• ～てほしい (〜te hoshii): Used when you want someone else to do something.
  • Example: 友達に映画を見てほしい。
    • I want my friend to watch the movie.

Nuance Difference

• Using ～たい with another person as the subject can be incorrect, as it implies you know their internal desires.
  • Incorrect: 彼は映画を見たい。 (Unless you are stating his desire explicitly known.)
• To express your desire for someone else's action, use ～てほしい.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Informal Situations

1. 弟に宿題をしてほしい。
   • I want my younger brother to do his homework.
2. 友達にパーティーに来てほしい。
   • I want my friend to come to the party.
3. 彼女に本当のことを話してほしい。
   • I want her to tell the truth.

Formal Situations

4. 部長にこの提案を検討してほしいです。
   • I would like the department manager to consider this proposal.
5. 先生に作文を見てほしいです。
   • I would like the teacher to look at my essay.

Negative Form

To express that you don't want someone to do something, use:

[Person] に + [Verb in ない-form without ない] + で + ほしい

6. 子供たちに喧嘩しないでほしい。
   • I don't want the children to fight.
7. 彼に遅刻しないでほしい。
   • I don't want him to be late.

Expressing Hopes

8. みんなに幸せになってほしい。
   • I want everyone to be happy.

Varying Contexts

• Casual Speech: Use plain forms.
• Polite Speech: Add です at the end.
• Written Language: May appear in personal letters or dialogues.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Directly expressing desires can be strong in Japanese culture.
• Softening requests is common; adding できれば (if possible) or よかったら (if you'd like) can make it more polite.
  • Example: できれば、参加してほしいです。
    • If possible, I would like you to participate.

Levels of Politeness

• When addressing someone of higher status, consider using a more polite form:
  • ～ていただきたいです
    • I would like you to... (very polite)

Idiomatic Expressions

• 顔を出してほしい。
  • I want you to show up. / I hope you can attend.
• 力を貸してほしい。
  • I want you to lend me your strength. / I need your help.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using the wrong particle
   • Incorrect: 友達が手伝ってほしい。
   • Correct: 友達に手伝ってほしい。
     • Tip: Use に, not が, to indicate the person you want to perform the action.
2. Confusing ～たい and ～てほしい
   • Incorrect: 彼は来てほしい。
     • (Means "He wants to come," which is incorrect usage here.)
   • Correct: 彼に来てほしい。
     • I want him to come.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember に for "nudge"—you're nudging someone to do something.
• Practice swapping subjects and objects to see how the meaning changes.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～てほしい expresses your desire for someone else to perform an action.
• The structure requires the verb in て-form and the person marked by に.
• Politeness can be adjusted by adding です, using honorific forms, or softening expressions.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: 友達___映画を見てほしい。
   • Answer: に
2. How do you say "I don't want him to go" in Japanese?
   • Answer: 彼に行かないでほしい。
3. Choose the correct sentence:
   • a) 先生に説明したい。
   • b) 先生に説明してほしい。
   • Answer: b) 先生に説明してほしい。 (I want the teacher to explain.)

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By understanding and using ～てほしい, you can express your desires regarding others' actions more naturally in Japanese. Keep practicing by creating your own sentences and paying attention to the context and level of politeness!

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