言いたいことがある
iitai koto ga aru
In Japanese, "I want to tell you something" is said as 言いたいことがある (iitai koto ga aru).
This phrase is used as a preamble to introduce a topic or a piece of information the speaker wishes to share. It is often used when preparing someone for a confession, a complaint or a piece of serious news.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of iitai (want to say), koto (thing/matter) and ga aru (there is/exists).
Which one should you use?
The default form 言いたいことがある is casual and can sound slightly blunt or even confrontational depending on the tone, as it implies "I have something (on my mind) to say".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The variation Nanka iitai koto ga arun da is an informal way to say I want to tell you something. For business settings or when speaking to a superior, you should use the polite version お伝えしたいことがあります, which utilizes the humble verb otsutae suru.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding n da to the end of the phrase to create 言いたいことがあるんだ makes it sound more natural when you are explaining a reason or setting the stage for a serious conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
iitai koto ga aru
Did you know?
- In romantic contexts, the phrase 言いたいことがある is a common trope in anime and manga to signal a coming confession of love, often followed by a long pause for dramatic effect.
- In Japanese, the word for 'thing' in this phrase, こと (koto), is strictly for intangible matters like ideas or secrets. If you used the word for physical objects, もの (mono), you would be implying you want to hand the listener a literal object.
- The structure of the phrase is counterintuitive to English speakers. Instead of saying 'I want to say something', a Japanese speaker is literally saying 'As for the thing I want to say, it exists'.
Examples in context
- 言いたいことがあるんだけど。Iitai koto ga aru ndakedo.I have something I want to tell you.
- 実は、言いたいことがあるんです。Jitsu wa, iitai koto ga aru ndesu.Actually, there is something I want to tell you.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are sitting in a quiet cafe.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵、言いたいことがあるんだ。Himari, iitai koto ga aru nda.Himari, I have something I want to tell you.
- 陽葵 Himariどうしたの？何かあった？Doushitano? Nanika atta?What's wrong? Did something happen?
- 蓮 Ren明日、一緒に旅行に行かない？Ashita, issho ni ryokou ni ikanai?Do you want to go on a trip together tomorrow?
- 陽葵 Himariえっ、もちろんいいよ！E, mochiron ii yo!Eh, of course, I'd love to!
