Processing keyword: Verb てもらいたい (～te moraitai)
Japanese Grammar Point: Verb てもらいたい (～te moraitai)
1. Introduction
The expression 〜てもらいたい is a Japanese grammar construct used to express the speaker's desire to have someone do something for them. It conveys a sense of requesting a favor or expressing a wish for someone else's action that benefits the speaker. It's often translated as "I want (someone) to do (something)" in English.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Detailed Explanation
Meaning:
"I want to receive the favor of someone doing..."
Usage:
Used when the speaker desires that someone performs an action that benefits the speaker. It emphasizes the speaker's wish to receive the action.
Structure
Formation:
- Verb in て-form + もらいたい
Verb Dictionary Form Verb て-form + もらいたい Example Sentence 書く (kaku) 書いて もらいたい 手紙を書いてもらいたい。 手伝う (tetsudau) 手伝って もらいたい 引っ越しを手伝ってもらいたい。 説明する (setsumei suru) 説明して もらいたい 手順を説明してもらいたい。
Visual Aid
graph LR
A(Verb in て-form) --> B[もらいたい]
B --> C〔〜てもらいたい〕
3. Comparative Analysis
Comparison with 〜てほしい
- 〜てほしい also means "I want someone to do..." but is more direct.
- 〜てもらいたい emphasizes the speaker's desire to receive the action as a favor.
Expression Nuance Example 〜てほしい Direct request or desire 早く返事してほしい。 (I want you to reply quickly.) 〜てもらいたい Polite, requesting a favor 早く返事してもらいたい。 (I would like you to reply quickly.)
4. Examples in Context
Sentence Examples
Casual Speech
- 友達に写真を送ってもらいたい。
I want my friend to send me the photos. - 母に新しい服を買ってもらいたい。
I want my mother to buy me new clothes.
Polite Speech
- 先生にこの文をチェックしてもらいたいです。
I would like the teacher to check this sentence. - すみません、駅への行き方を教えてもらいたいのですが。
Excuse me, I would like you to tell me how to get to the station.
Formal Writing
- お手数ですが、ご意見を伺ってもらいたく存じます。
I apologize for the trouble, but I would like to ask for your opinion. - このプロジェクトについて社長に説明してもらいたいと思います。
I think I would like the president to explain about this project.
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
- Politeness and Indirectness: Japanese communication often values indirectness to maintain harmony. Using 〜てもらいたい softens the request, making it more polite.
- Expressing Desire Carefully: Instead of commanding, this form expresses a wish, acknowledging the other person's autonomy.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 一筆入れてもらいたい
I would like you to put it in writing. - 顔を出してもらいたい
I would like you to show up (make an appearance).
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Incorrect Verb Form
- Incorrect: 旅行に行くもらいたい。
- Correct: 旅行に行ってもらいたい。
- Explanation: The verb must be in the て-form before adding もらいたい.
- Using もらう Without て-form
- Incorrect: 説明もらいたいです。
- Correct: 説明してもらいたいです。
- Explanation: Attach もらいたい to the て-form of する verbs as well.
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device:
Remember that もらいたい comes from もらう (to receive). So, think of it as "I want to receive (someone's action)." - Practice Conjugation:
Regularly practice converting verbs to their て-form to become comfortable with this and similar grammar patterns.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- 〜てもらいたい is used to express a desire for someone to do something for you.
- The verb must be in て-form before adding もらいたい.
- It conveys politeness and a request for a favor.
- Different from 〜てほしい, which is more direct.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Fill in the blank:
子供たちに野菜を食べて______。- Answer: もらいたい
- Translate to English:
彼に本当のことを話してもらいたい。- Answer: I want him to tell me the truth.
- True or False:
〜てもらいたい can be used to make direct commands.- Answer: False (It is used to express desire politely, not direct commands.)
Remember, using 〜てもらいたい helps you make polite requests and express desires in a way that is considerate of others, aligning with the cultural emphasis on harmony and respect in Japanese communication.