What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 日本語 (Japanese language), the particle を which marks the language as the direct object and 学びたい which means "want to learn".
Which one should you use?
While 学びたい implies a desire to acquire a skill or knowledge, you can also use 勉強したい (benkyou shitai) if you want to focus more specifically on the act of studying or doing academic work.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To be polite and suitable for speaking to teachers or strangers, you can add です to the end to make 日本語を学びたいです. In formal situations, you might say 日本語を習いたいです to say "I want to learn Japanese" or 日本語の勉強をしたいです to say "I want to study Japanese". Another formal option is 日本語を学びたいと思っています which translates to "I think I want to learn Japanese". For informal settings, you can use 日本語を習いたい or 日本語を勉強したいんだ to say "I want to study Japanese".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 学びたい is created by taking the verb manabu (to learn) and changing its ending to the -tai form to express a desire. The particle を marks the Japanese language as the direct object of the verb.
How do you pronounce it?
nihongo o manabitai
Did you know?
- The word 勉強 (benkyou) used in 'study' originally meant 'to force' or 'to exert effort'. It implies that learning is a strenuous struggle rather than a leisure activity.
- While English uses 'learn' for everything from hobbies to sciences, the Japanese verb 学ぶ (manabu) implies a serious, deep, or even spiritual pursuit of knowledge. Using it can signal to a Japanese speaker that you intend to commit deeply to the culture.
- In Japanese, the phrase 日本語を学びたい literally means 'I want to learn Japanese', but using the -tai form for yourself in a request can sound like you are demanding the other person fulfill your desire.
Examples in context
- 私は日本語を学びたい。I want to learn Japanese.This sentence is useful for expressing the desire to learn the Japanese language.Tatoeba #3456445 by e4zh1nmcz, translation #2461837 by Tiyachhauh
- やあ、僕の名前はタクミだ。日本語を勉強したいんだ。よろしくな！Hey, my name is Takumi. I want to study Japanese. Nice to meet you!
- 将来、日本語を学びたいです。shōrai, nihongo o manabitai desu.I want to learn Japanese in the future.
- もっと本格的に日本語を学びたい。motto honkaku-teki ni nihongo o manabitai.I want to learn Japanese more seriously.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their goals for the year.
- 蓮 Ren今年は何をしたい？kotoshi wa nani o shitaiWhat do you want to do this year?
- 陽葵 Himari私は日本語を学びたいです。watashi wa nihongo o manabitaidesuI want to learn Japanese.
- 蓮 Renそれはいい考えだね。sore wa ii kangae daneThat is a good idea.
- 陽葵 Himari一緒に頑張ろう！issho ni ganbarouLet's do our best together!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
