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

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

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.

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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

Component	Function
[Person] に	Indicates the person you want to act
[Verb in て-form]	Action you want them to perform
ほしい	Expresses desire or wish

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".

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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.

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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.)

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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."

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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.

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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。

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

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