もっと欲しい
motto hoshii
In Japanese, "I want more" is expressed as もっと欲しい (motto hoshii).
もっと欲しい is used to express a desire for a greater amount of inanimate objects or abstract concepts. It is not used when expressing a desire for another person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of もっと (more) and 欲しい (want/desirable).
Which one should you use?
The phrase それ以上ほしいです is used specifically when you want more than what is currently available or being offered. Additionally, もっとくれ functions as a direct request to "give me more."
Is it said differently in some regions?
もっと欲しいやん is a variation used in the Kansai Dialect.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that you wanted more in the past, change 欲しい to the past tense 欲しかった. You can make the phrase polite by adding です to the end of もっと欲しい, resulting in もっと欲しいです.
How do you pronounce it?
motto hoshii
Did you know?
- The word 欲しい (hoshii) is an adjective in Japanese, which is why you must add です to make it polite, unlike English where 'want' is a verb.
- While 欲しい expresses a personal desire, Japanese speakers often use お願いします ('please') or ください ('give me') instead of saying they 'want' more, as stating one's own desires directly can be seen as overly blunt.
- In a restaurant, instead of saying もっと欲しい, it is much more natural to use the verb おかわり (okawari) when asking for another serving of rice or drinks.
Examples in context
- もっと欲しい。I want more.This sentence is useful for practicing the basic way to say "I want more."Tatoeba #7486195 by Ninja, translation #521096 by CK
- もっと水をください。Can I have more water, please?
- この漫画、もっと欲しい。I want more of this manga.
- 寿司の皿、もっとくれ。Give me more sushi plates.
Example conversation
A boy and a girl are eating dessert at home.
- 大翔 Hirotoこのケーキ、もっと欲しいな。kono keeki, motto hoshii na.I want more of this cake.
- 結衣 Yui大翔くん、お腹いっぱいじゃないの？hiroto-kun, onaka ippai janai no?Hiroto, aren't you full?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、でももっと欲しい。un, demo motto hoshii.Yeah, but I want more.
- 結衣 Yuiじゃあ、もう少しだけあげるね。jaa, mou sukoshi dake ageru ne.Then, I'll give you just a little more.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
