Processing keyword: Verb てもらいたい (～te moraitai)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb てもらいたい (～te moraitai)

Verb てもらいたい (〜てもらいたい)

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:

1. 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

1. 友達に写真を送ってもらいたい。
   I want my friend to send me the photos.
2. 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

3. 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.
4. 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

5. 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.
6. 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

1. 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.
2. 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

1. Fill in the blank:
   子供たちに野菜を食べて______。
   • Answer: もらいたい
2. 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.
3. 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.