したい
shitai
The Japanese phrase for "want to" is したい (shitai).
したい is used to express a desire to perform a specific action. In Japanese, this form is typically used to express your own desires. Using it to ask someone else about their desires in formal settings is considered impolite.
What does it mean word for word?
The form したい is created by taking the stem of the verb する (to do) and combining it with the desiderative suffix 〜たい (tai), which expresses wanting to do something.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In casual situations, you can end a sentence with the suffix 〜たい (tai) by dropping the polite ending.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express wanting to perform other actions, you combine the stem of a verb with the suffix 〜たい (tai).
How do you pronounce it?
shitai
Did you know?
- While したい (shitai) expresses a desire, Japanese has a different word, ほしい (hoshii), specifically for wanting an object. You cannot use したい (shitai) to say you want a physical thing like a car or a book.
- If you use 〜たい (tai) to state what a third person feels, you might sound like you are claiming to have supernatural insight into their mind.
- To describe a third person's desires, Japanese speakers often use 〜たがる (tagaru) rather than 〜たい (tai). This is because 〜たがる describes an observable outward sign of wanting, rather than claiming to know the person's inner heart.
Examples in context
- 何がしたい？What do you want to do?This sentence is useful for asking what someone wants to do using したい.Tatoeba #188103 by bunbuku, translation #24759 by CK
- 参加したい。I want to participate.This sentence is useful for expressing the desire to participate using したい.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 the desire to attend using したい.Tatoeba #8511063 by small_snow, translation #5288569 by AlanF_US
- お茶（ちゃ）を飲（の）みたいです。I want to drink tea.
- 彼（かれ）はコーヒーを飲（の）みたがっています。He wants to drink coffee.
- 新（あたら）しい本（ほん）がほしいです。I want a new book.
- 327 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are talking about their weekend plans.
- 蓮 Ren今週末は、何をしたい？Konshuumatsu wa, nani o shitai?What do you want to do this weekend?
- 結衣 Yui新しい映画を観たいです。Atarashii eiga o mitai desu.I want to see a new movie.
- 蓮 Renいいですね。私も観たいです。Ii desu ne. Watashi mo mitai desu.That sounds good. I want to see it too.
- 結衣 Yuiじゃあ、予約しておきますね。Jaa, yoyaku shite okimasu ne.Then, I will book the tickets.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
