Processing keyword: Verb たいです (taidesu)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb たいです (taidesu)

動詞＋たいです (Verb + tai desu)

1. Introduction

In Japanese, expressing your desires and wants is a fundamental part of everyday communication. The grammar pattern 「動詞＋たいです」 (Verb + tai desu) allows you to convey what you want to do in a straightforward way. This lesson will delve into how to form and use this grammar point effectively.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

「動詞＋たいです」 means "I want to [verb]." It is used to express the speaker's desire to perform a particular action.

Structure

To construct this form:

1. Take the verb in its dictionary form.
2. Convert it to the ます-stem (also known as the verb stem).
3. Add 「たいです」 to the stem.

Formation Diagram

Detailed Explanation

Step 1: Get the ます-Stem

To find the ます-stem of a verb:

• For 五段動詞 (Godan verbs): Change the final u sound to the corresponding i sound.
  • Example: 書く (kaku) -> 書き (kaki)
• For 一段動詞 (Ichidan verbs): Remove the final る (ru).
  • Example: 食べる (taberu) -> 食べ (tabe)

Step 2: Add 「たいです」

Attach たいです to the ます-stem:

• 食べ + たいです = 食べたいです

Conjugation of たいです

The たいです ending conjugates like an い形容詞 (i-adjective).

Positive Form

Negative Form

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing 「たいです」 with Similar Expressions

1. 「〜たがっています」

• Usage: When expressing someone else's desire.
• Structure: 動詞ます-stem + たがっています
• Example: 彼は新しい車を 買いたがっています。
  • Kare wa atarashii kuruma o kaitagatte imasu.
  • Translation: He wants to buy a new car.

2. 「〜たいと思います」

• Usage: To soften the expression of desire (more polite/formal).
• Structure: 動詞ます-stem + たいと思います
• Example: 日本へ行き たいと思います。
  • Nihon e iki tai to omoimasu.
  • Translation: I think I want to go to Japan.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. 大学で日本語を勉強したいです。
   • Daigaku de nihongo o benkyou shitai desu.
   • Translation: I want to study Japanese at university.
2. 明日、社長に会いたいです。
   • Ashita, shachou ni aitai desu.
   • Translation: I want to meet the company president tomorrow.

Informal Situations

1. ゲームがしたい。
   • Geemu ga shitai.
   • Translation: I want to play a game.
2. 今日は何もしたくない。
   • Kyou wa nanimo shitakunai.
   • Translation: I don't want to do anything today.

Questions

1. 何を食べたいですか。
   • Nani o tabetai desu ka.
   • Translation: What do you want to eat?
2. 週末はどこへ行きたいですか。
   • Shuumatsu wa doko e ikitai desu ka.
   • Translation: Where do you want to go this weekend?

Negative Forms

1. その映画は見たくないです。
   • Sono eiga wa mitakunai desu.
   • Translation: I don't want to see that movie.
2. もう待ちたくなかったです。
   • Mou machitakunakatta desu.
   • Translation: I didn't want to wait anymore.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Japanese culture, expressing one's desires directly is acceptable among close friends and family. However, in formal settings or with superiors, it's polite to soften expressions.

Politeness and Formality

• Direct (Casual): 行きたい。
  • Used among friends or peers.
• Polite: 行きたいです。
  • Standard polite form.
• More Polite/Formal: 行きたいと思っています。
  • Used in formal situations or with superiors.

Idiomatic Expressions Using 「たいです」

• 死にたいほど疲れた。
  • Shinitai hodo tsukareta.
  • Translation: I'm so tired I could die.
  • Note: An idiomatic way to express extreme fatigue.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

Mistake 1: Using Dictionary Form Instead of ます-Stem

• Incorrect: 食べるたいです。
• Correct: 食べたいです。 Tip: Always use the ます-stem of the verb before adding たいです.

Mistake 2: Using 「たいです」 for Third Person

• Incorrect: 彼は日本に行きたいです。
• Correct: 彼は日本に 行きたがっています。 Tip: Use たがっています to express someone else's desires.

Learning Strategies

• Practice Converting Verbs:
  • Regularly change verbs from dictionary form to ます-stem.
• Remember the い-Adjective Conjugation:
  • Since たいです conjugates like an い-adjective, review how to form negative and past tense forms of い-adjectives.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 「動詞ます-stem + たいです」 is used to express personal desires.
• Conjugate たいです like an い-adjective for tense and negativity.
• Use たがっています when talking about someone else's wants.
• Adjust the level of politeness based on the context and the person you are speaking to.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Form the sentence: "I want to buy a new book."
2. How do you say: "She wants to eat sushi." (Use appropriate grammar for third person.)
3. What is the negative past form of 見たいです?

Answers:

1. 新しい本を買いたいです。
   • Atarashii hon o kaitai desu.
2. 彼女はお寿司を食べたがっています。
   • Kanojo wa osushi o tabetagatte imasu.
3. 見たくなかったです。
   • Mitakunakatta desu.

By mastering 「動詞＋たいです」, you can effectively communicate your wants and desires in Japanese, enhancing your conversational skills and cultural understanding.