Processing keyword: Verb て ほしい (Verb-te hoshii)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb て ほしい (Verb-te hoshii)

〜てほしい (Verb-てほしい)

1. Introduction

The grammar pattern 〜てほしい (Verb-てほしい) is used to express the speaker's desire for someone else to perform a certain action. It's a common and useful structure in Japanese that allows you to politely request or express wishes regarding others' actions.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• 〜てほしい means "I want someone to do something."

Structure

To construct this pattern, attach てほしい to the て-form of a verb.

[Person] に + [Verb in て-form] + ほしい

Formation Diagram

Visual Aid: Structure Breakdown

Let's visualize the structure:

[Subject] は [Person] に [Verb (て-form)] ほしいです。

• [Subject] は: Often omitted if it's obvious (usually "I").
• [Person] に: The person you want to do something.
• [Verb (て-form)]: The action.
• ほしいです: "want".

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with 〜たい

• 〜たい is used to express the speaker's desire to do something themselves.
  • Example: ケーキを食べたい。 ("I want to eat cake.")
• 〜てほしい is used when the speaker wants someone else to do something.
  • Example: あなたにケーキを作ってほしい。 ("I want you to make a cake.")

Comparison with 〜てもらいたい

• 〜てもらいたい is similar but more polite/formal.
  • Slight nuance: Emphasizes the benefit to the speaker.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. 友達に手伝ってほしい。
   • Tomodachi ni tetsudatte hoshii.
   • "I want my friend to help me."
2. 親にもっと理解してほしい。
   • Oya ni motto rikai shite hoshii.
   • "I want my parents to understand me more."
3. 先生にこの問題を説明してほしいです。 (Formal)
   • Sensei ni kono mondai o setsumei shite hoshii desu.
   • "I would like the teacher to explain this problem."
4. 彼女に一緒に来てほしい。
   • Kanojo ni issho ni kite hoshii.
   • "I want her to come with me."

Context Variations

• Casual Speech
  • 早く帰ってほしい。
    • "I want you to go home soon."
• Polite Speech
  • 部長にご確認いただきたいです。
    • "I would like the manager to confirm it." (Note: Using いただきたい for politeness.)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, direct requests can be considered rude. Using 〜てほしい softens the request, making it more polite and indirect.

Politeness Levels

• Adding です at the end makes it more polite.
  • 来てほしいです。
• For even higher politeness, use 〜ていただきたい or 〜てもらいたい.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 元気でいてほしい。
  • "I want you to stay healthy."
• 幸せになってほしい。
  • "I want you to be happy."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Errors

1. Using 〜たい instead of 〜てほしい
   • Incorrect: 友達に手伝いたい。 (Means "I want to help my friend.")
   • Correct: 友達に手伝ってほしい。
2. Incorrect Particle Usage
   • Incorrect: 友達を手伝ってほしい。
   • Correct: 友達に手伝ってほしい。
   • Tip: Use に to indicate the person you want to do the action.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of ほしい as "want," and when combined with て-form, it links to another person's action.
• Practice: Create sentences about things you want others to do for you.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 〜てほしい is used to express desire for someone else to perform an action.
• Structure: [Person] に + [Verb in て-form] + ほしい
• Be mindful of politeness levels and particle usage.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "I want my friend to come to the party"? Answer: 友達にパーティーに来てほしい。
2. What particle is used before the person in this grammar pattern? Answer: に
3. Convert the following sentence using 〜てほしい: "I want my teacher to read this essay." Answer: 先生にこの作文を読んでほしい。

Feel free to ask any questions or for more example sentences to deepen your understanding!