Processing keyword: Noun がほしいです (〜ga hoshii desu)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun がほしいです (〜ga hoshii desu)

1. Introduction

Expressing desire is a fundamental aspect of communication. In Japanese, the grammar pattern Noun がほしいです (〜がほしいです) is used to indicate that the speaker wants something. This lesson will guide you through understanding and using this grammar point effectively.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

Noun がほしいです translates to "I want [noun]." It's used to express the speaker's desire to possess or obtain something.

Structure

The basic structure is:

[Noun] + が + ほしいです

• [Noun]: The item or thing you want.
• が: Subject marker particle.
• ほしいです: "Want" in the polite form.

Formation Diagram

Component	Explanation
[Noun]	The thing you want
が	Subject marker particle
ほしいです	"Want" (polite form)

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3. Comparative Analysis

Noun がほしいです vs. Verb-たいです

• Noun がほしいです: Used to express wanting things.
  • Example: 新しい靴がほしいです。
    • Atarashii kutsu ga hoshii desu.
    • I want new shoes.
• Verb-ます stem + たいです: Used to express wanting to do actions.
  • Example: 日本に行きたいです。
    • Nihon ni ikitai desu.
    • I want to go to Japan. Key Difference: Use がほしいです with nouns and たいです with verbs.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. 時間がほしいです。
   • Jikan ga hoshii desu.
   • I want time.
2. 情報がもっとほしいです。
   • Jōhō ga motto hoshii desu.
   • I want more information.

Informal Situations

1. 新しいスマホがほしい。
   • Atarashii sumaho ga hoshii.
   • I want a new smartphone.
2. 彼女がほしい。
   • Kanojo ga hoshii.
   • I want a girlfriend.

Spoken Conversations

1. 何か飲み物がほしいですか。
   • Nanika nomimono ga hoshii desu ka?
   • Would you like something to drink?
2. プレゼントがほしいんです。
   • Purezento ga hoshii n desu.
   • I want a present.

Written Context (Formal Letters)

1. 詳細な報告書がほしいです。
   • Shōsai na hōkokusho ga hoshii desu.
   • I would like a detailed report.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Directness in Expression: In Japanese culture, being too direct can sometimes be seen as impolite. While ほしいです is a straightforward way to express desire, it’s important to be mindful of the context and your relationship with the listener.
• Politeness Levels: Adding んですが (e.g., ほしいんですが) can make the request sound softer and more polite.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 喉から手が出るほどほしい
  • Nodo kara te ga deru hodo hoshii
  • I want it so badly (lit. I want it so much that a hand comes out of my throat).

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using the wrong particle
   • Incorrect: 車をほしいです。
     • (Kuruma o hoshii desu.)
   • Correct: 車がほしいです。
     • (Kuruma ga hoshii desu.)
   • Tip: Always use が with ほしいです.
2. Mixing up ほしいです and たいです
   • Incorrect: 休みをたいです。
     • (Yasumi o tai desu.)
   • Correct: 休みがほしいです。
     • (Yasumi ga hoshii desu.)
   • Tip: Use ほしいです for nouns (things), たいです for verbs (actions).

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember "I GA (gotta) want it!" to recall using が with ほしいです.
• Practice: Create sentences using things you want to reinforce the pattern.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Use Noun がほしいです to express wanting something.
• The particle が is essential in this structure.
• For wanting to do something, use Verb-たいです instead.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Translate to Japanese: "I want a new job."
   • Answer: 新しい仕事がほしいです。
     • Atarashii shigoto ga hoshii desu.
2. Which particle is used with ほしいです?
   • Answer: が
3. Is this sentence correct? 映画が見たいです。
   • Answer: Yes. (Eiga ga mitai desu.) means "I want to watch a movie."

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Practice using Noun がほしいです in your daily life to express your desires naturally in Japanese!

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