あなたが欲しい
anata ga hoshii
The phrase "I want you" in Japanese is expressed as あなたが欲しい (anata ga hoshii).
あなたが欲しい is a highly direct phrase used to express strong physical or romantic desire for another person. Because it carries such heavy romantic or sexual connotations, it is not appropriate for casual requests.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of あなた, meaning "you", followed by the particle and the adjective 欲しい, which expresses desire.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the word 欲しい (to want), you must use the particle が to mark the object of your desire. While English speakers often mistakenly use the object particle を, the grammatically correct way to express this is with が.
How do you pronounce it?
anata ga hoshii
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying あなたを欲しい. While English speakers often use the object particle を when translating "want", you should use the particle が with 欲しい instead.
Did you know?
- The adjective 欲しい is used for inanimate objects or people as things to be possessed, but to express wanting a person to *do* something, Japanese uses a completely different grammatical structure called the 〜て欲しい form.
- Unlike the English 'want', which is a verb, 欲しい is technically an adjective meaning 'desirable'. Literally, the phrase says 'you are desirable' from the speaker's perspective.
- To avoid the heavy sexual tension of あなたが欲しい, Japanese speakers often omit the word 'you' entirely and rely on context or the person's name to express affection.
Examples in context
- あなたがいないときに限って、あなたが欲しい。I want you only when you're not there.The example sentence illustrates how the phrase can be used to express longing when someone is absent.Tatoeba #1508624 by ari_diary, translation #585464 by CM
- どうしても、あなたが欲しい。doushitemo, anata ga hoshii.I want you, no matter what.
- 今夜は、あなたが欲しい。konya wa, anata ga hoshii.I want you tonight.
Example conversation
A couple sharing an intimate moment at home.
- 大翔 Hirotoずっと前から、あなたが欲しいと思っていた。zutto mae kara, anata ga hoshii to omotte ita.I've wanted you for a long time.
- 美咲 Misaki私も同じ気持ちだよ。watashi mo onaji kimochi da yo.I feel the same way.
- 大翔 Hiroto本当に愛しているよ。hontou ni aishite iru yo.I really love you.
- 美咲 Misaki私もあなたを愛しているわ。watashi mo anata o aishite iru wa.I love you too.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
