一緒にいたい
issho ni itai
The English phrase "I want to be with you" is translated into Japanese as 一緒にいたい (issho ni itai).
This phrase is used to express a desire to spend time in someone's company.
Which one should you use?
一緒にいたいんだよ means "I really want to be with you" or "I want to be with you, you know." If you wish to change the tone to a request, you can use 一緒にいさせて, which means "Let me be with you". Additionally, あなたと共に過ごしたいです means "I want to spend time together with you".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 一緒にいたい is informal and is typically used with romantic partners or close friends. For a more polite or formal setting, you can use 一緒にいたいです.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, the subject "I" and the object "you" are often omitted, as the context of the conversation makes it clear who is being spoken to.
How do you pronounce it?
issho ni itai
Did you know?
- Because Japanese culture often relies on implication, saying 一緒にいたい can actually feel more intense than saying 'I love you'. Stating a direct 'want' can come across as surprisingly assertive or demanding in many social situations.
- Using the informal 一緒にいたい with a superior or stranger can be interpreted as a dramatic, sudden confession of love rather than a request to hang out.
- While 一緒にいたい is common, Japanese song lyrics frequently use そばにいたい, which specifically emphasizes being physically at someone's side.
Examples in context
- 一緒にいたいな。I want to be with you.This sentence shows how to use the phrase 一緒にいたい with a particle to add a soft, emotive tone.Tatoeba #8508434 by small_snow, translation #2011668 by CK
- ずっと一緒にいたい。Zutto issho ni itai.I want to be with you forever.
Example conversation
A quiet park at sunset.
- 陽太 Yota美咲、ずっと一緒にいたい。Misaki, zutto issho ni itai.Misaki, I want to be with you forever.
- 美咲 Misaki私も陽太と一緒にいたいよ。Watashi mo Youta to issho ni itai yo.I want to be with you too, Youta.
- 陽太 Yota本当？嬉しいな。Hontou? Ureshii na.Really? I'm so happy.
- 美咲 Misakiうん、大好きだよ。Un, daisuki da yo.Yes, I love you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
