Guide: How to Say “Want to Be” in Japanese

Learning how to express the desire “want to be” in Japanese is a useful skill when communicating your aspirations or discussing future plans. In this guide, we will explore formal and informal ways to convey this expression, providing tips, examples, and even some regional variations. Let’s get started!

Formal Ways to Say “Want to Be”

When speaking formally in Japanese, you have a few options to indicate the desire “want to be.” Here are two common phrases:

1. ほしいです (Hoshii desu): This phrase consists of the word “hoshii” which means “want” and the formal ending “desu.” It is the most straightforward and widely used way to express a desire in formal speech. For example:

将来は医者になりたいです。
(Shourai wa isha ni naritai desu.)
I want to be a doctor in the future.

1. ～たいと思っています (～tai to omotte imasu): Using this phrase indicates that you are thinking about wanting to be something. It conveys a stronger sense of determination compared to the straightforward “hoshii desu.” Here’s an example:

私はエンジニアになりたいと思っています。
(Watashi wa enjinia ni naritai to omotte imasu.)
I am thinking about wanting to be an engineer.

Informal Ways to Say “Want to Be”

When speaking informally, you have more flexibility and can use shorter phrases to convey the desire “want to be.” Let’s explore two common informal phrases:

1. ～たい (～tai): This informal phrase drops the “desu” at the end and simply uses the stem form of the verb. For example:

彼は歌手になりたい。
(Kare wa kashu ni naritai.)
He wants to be a singer.

1. ～たいんだ (～tainda): Adding “nda” after “tai” gives a stronger emphasis to the desire to be something. This is commonly used in casual conversations between friends. For example:

俺、プログラマーになりたいんだ。
(Ore, puroguramaa ni naritain da.)
I really want to be a programmer.

Regional Variations

While there aren’t significant regional variations in expressing “want to be” in Japanese, there might be some minor differences in vocabulary or dialect. However, these differences are not critical and won’t hinder communication. It’s more of a matter of personal preference.

Tips for Expressing “Want to Be” in Japanese

Here are a few additional tips to help you express your desire to be something effectively:

• Use appropriate vocabulary related to the profession or field you want to pursue. It adds specificity and clarity to your statement.
• Consider context – If you are already discussing a particular industry or job, you can omit mentioning it repeatedly. The context will make it clear what you are referring to.
• Practice pronunciation – Ensure you practice the correct pronunciation of the phrases to communicate your intentions clearly.
• Use body language – Along with verbal expressions, you can use gestures or positive body language to convey your enthusiasm and determination.
• Immerse yourself in the language – Surrounding yourself with Japanese media, such as music, movies, or books, will enhance your language skills and expose you to various ways of expressing desires.

So, whether you are stating your dreams or discussing career goals, knowing how to say “want to be” in Japanese is an essential skill. Remember to consider the level of formality required, practice your pronunciation, and use suitable vocabulary to express your aspirations effectively. Best of luck!