When learning a new language like Japanese, expressing your desires and aspirations is essential. The phrase “I want to be” can be used in various contexts, whether you aim to convey your dreams, goals, or intentions. In this guide, we will explore how to say “I want to be” in both formal and informal ways in Japanese, providing you with numerous tips, examples, and insights. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expression: “I Want to Be” in Polite Japanese
In formal situations or when speaking with people you are not familiar with, it is important to adopt polite language. To express “I want to be” formally, the word “desu” can be used along with the appropriate verb form. Let’s look at some examples:
1. To Be a Teacher:
“Watashi wa sensei ni naritai desu.”
(わたしは先生になりたいです。)
This example translates to “I want to be a teacher”. Breaking it down:
- “Watashi” (わたし) means “I”.
- “Wa” (は) marks the topic of the sentence.
- “Sensei” (先生) means “teacher”.
- “Ni” (に) indicates the direction or goal.
- “Naritai” (なりたい) is the verb form meaning “want to become”.
- “Desu” (です) concludes the sentence politely.
2. To Be a Doctor:
“Kangoshi ni naritai desu.”
(かんごしになりたいです。)
This example means “I want to be a doctor”. Let’s break it down:
- “Kangoshi” (かんごし) means “doctor”.
- “Ni” (に) indicates the direction or goal.
- “Naritai” (なりたい) is the verb form meaning “want to become”.
- “Desu” (です) concludes the sentence politely.
Note: In formal speech, “watashi” is used to refer to oneself politely. However, it can be omitted as the subject is often implied in Japanese sentences.
Informal Expression: “I Want to Be” in Casual Japanese
When speaking with friends, family, or in informal situations, it is common to use casual language. In Japanese, you can express “I want to be” in an informal way by using the verb form “tai”. Let’s explore some examples:
1. To Be a Singer:
“Watashi wa kashu ni naritai.”
(わたしはかしゅになりたい。)
This example translates to “I want to be a singer”. Breaking it down:
- “Kashu” (かしゅ) means “singer”.
- “Ni” (に) indicates the direction or goal.
- “Naritai” (なりたい) is the verb form meaning “want to become”.
2. To Be a Chef:
“Ryoriya ni naritai.”
(りょうりやになりたい。)
This example means “I want to be a chef”. Let’s break it down:
- “Ryoriya” (りょうりや) means “chef”.
- “Ni” (に) indicates the direction or goal.
- “Naritai” (なりたい) is the verb form meaning “want to become”.
Tips and Insights:
1. Flexibility: Remember that Japanese is a context-oriented language, and often the subject of a sentence can be omitted when it is understood. Thus, you can omit “watashi” (わたし) if it is clear from the context.
2. Non-specific Verbs: The verb “naritai” (なりたい) means “want to become” and can be used with various nouns to express your desires. Feel free to replace the examples shared in this guide with different nouns based on your personal preferences or dreams.
3. Politeness Matters: Understanding the appropriate level of politeness is crucial in Japanese. Using polite language, like the “desu” form in formal expressions, shows respect and is more suitable in professional or unfamiliar environments.
4. Study Sentence Structure: By analyzing sentence structures provided in this guide, you can gain a deeper understanding of how to form sentences in Japanese. Practice constructing your own sentences using similar patterns.
5. Learn with Native Speakers: Interacting with native Japanese speakers or language exchange partners can enhance your language skills and provide valuable feedback.
Remember that language learning is a process, and mastering expressiveness requires practice. Embrace your journey to fluency and enjoy discovering new ways to express yourself in Japanese! Ganbatte kudasai! (Good luck!)
