したい
shitai
In Japanese, "I want to" is expressed using したい (shitai).
したい is used to express a desire to perform a specific action. It is important to note that in Japanese, this form is typically used only for the speaker's own desires. It is considered impolite to use it when describing the desires of someone else directly. You can express an intense desire or eagerness by using the form ～たくてしょうがない, or express a desire that is met with a constraint or difficulty by using ～たいですが.
What does it mean word for word?
The form したい is the desiderative form of the verb する, which means "to do".
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that you "wanted to" do something in the past, use the form したかった.
How do you pronounce it?
shitai
Did you know?
- While したい expresses a wish to do something, Japanese has a separate category of words for wanting objects, such as ほしい, which cannot be used with verbs.
- The word したい is essentially an adjective in its grammatical behavior. Even though it comes from the verb 'to do', it conjugates like an 'i-adjective' rather than a standard verb.
- Using したい in a business setting when speaking to a superior is often replaced by the humble form ～させていただきたい, which asks for permission to be allowed to do the action.
Examples in context
- 参加したい。I want to participate.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to participate.Tatoeba #8511059 by small_snow, translation #5288568 by AlanF_US
- 出席したい。I want to attend.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to attend.Tatoeba #8511063 by small_snow, translation #5288569 by AlanF_US
- ハグしたい。I want to hug you.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to hug.Tatoeba #9944533 by small_snow, translation #9937317 by DJ_Saidez
- ピアノを弾きたいと思います。I want to play the piano.
- 日本語を話せるようになりたいと思っています。I am wanting (emphasis on persistence) to become able to speak Japanese.
- 映画を見たい。I want to watch a movie.
- 遊びに行きたいんだけど、予定がある。I want to hang out, but I have plans.
- 韓国に行きたいですが、お金がありません。I want to go to Korea, but I don't have money.
- 旅行に行きたくてしょうがない！I really want to go on a trip!
- 206 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Youta and Yui are deciding what to do on a weekend afternoon.
- 陽太 Yota今日は何をしたい？kyou wa nani o shitai?What do you want to do today?
- 結衣 Yui映画を観たいな。eiga o mitai na.I want to watch a movie.
- 陽太 Yotaいいね、どの映画を観たい？ii ne, dono eiga o mitai?Sounds good, which movie do you want to watch?
- 結衣 Yui最新のアクション映画が観たい。saishin no akushon eiga ga mitai.I want to watch the latest action movie.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
