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

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

Grammar Point: ～てほしい (〜te hoshii)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～てほしい (〜te hoshii) is used in Japanese to express a desire for someone else to do something. It conveys a wish or request, focusing on what the speaker wants another person to do.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: The phrase is used when you want someone to perform an action. It directly translates to "I want [someone] to [do something]."
• Structure: The construction is formed by taking the て-form of a verb and adding ほしい.

Structure Breakdown

1. Start with a verb.
2. Conjugate the verb into the て-form.
3. Add ほしい.

Formation Diagram

[Verb in て-form] + ほしい

For example:

• 食べる (taberu - to eat) → 食べて (tabete) + ほしい → 食べてほしい (tabete hoshii - I want you to eat)

3. Comparative Analysis

• Similar Expressions:
  • ～てください (～te kudasai): This is more polite than ほしい and is used for requests. It translates to "please do [something]."
  • ～てもらいたい (～te moraitai): This expression conveys a similar meaning but emphasizes the speaker’s desire to receive a favor. Differences:
• Directness: ～てほしい can feel more direct and personal compared to ください.
• Emphasis: ～てもらいたい puts more emphasis on the speaker's sense of receiving help.

  Expression	Meaning	Politeness Level
  てほしい (te hoshii)	I want you to [do something]	Casual/Direct
  てください (te kudasai)	Please [do something]	Polite
  てもらいたい (te moraitai)	I want to receive [the action]	Humble/Polite

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:
   • 先生にこのテストを見てほしいです。
   • (Sensei ni kono tesuto o mite hoshii desu.)
   • "I want the teacher to look at this test."
2. Informal:
   • 友達に手伝ってほしいな。
   • (Tomodachi ni tetsudatte hoshii na.)
   • "I want my friend to help me."
3. Written:
   • 皆さん、もう少し静かにしてほしいです。
   • (Minasan, mōsukoshi shizuka ni shite hoshii desu.)
   • "Everyone, I want you to be a bit quieter."
4. Spoken:
   • 彼に早く来てほしいんだけど。
   • (Kare ni hayaku kite hoshii n da kedo.)
   • "I want him to come quickly."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Politeness and Formality: Japanese culture values politeness, and the use of ～てほしい should be moderated with context. Depending on the relationship with the person being spoken to, one may choose to use てほしい, てください, or てもらいたい.

Idiomatic Expressions

• "お願い" (onegai): A commonly used expression that can accompany a request, akin to saying "please" or "I ask you."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Using the plain form with a highly formal subject (e.g., a boss or elder).
  • Correction: Use more polite forms (e.g., 〜ていただけますか).

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic device: Remember "ほしい" (hoshii) sounds like "hope," linking it to wanting someone to fulfill a wish.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 〜てほしい expresses desire for someone else to carry out an action.
• It uses the て-form of verbs + ほしい.
• Be aware of the context and relationship with the subject when using this grammar point.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "I want you to help me" using 〜てほしい?
2. Which is more polite: 〜てほしい or 〜てください?
3. What does ほしい mean in relation to requests?

This concludes the lesson on the grammar point ～てほしい. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!