何か欲しい
nanika hoshii
The phrase "you want something" in Japanese is expressed as 何か欲しい (nanika hoshii).
This phrase is used to express that someone desires to possess or receive a particular object. In Japanese, the subject "you" is often omitted when it is clear from context who is being spoken to.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of nanika (something) and hoshii (want/desirable).
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase a polite question, you can add desu ka to the end to form 何か欲しいですか. In casual speech, adding the particle no at the end to create 何か欲しいの？ results in a soft, inquisitive tone. If you want to indicate that you want to perform an action rather than possess an object, you can add ～たいと思っています after a verb as a formal way to express desire.
How do you pronounce it?
nanika hoshii
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistake hoshii for a verb, but it is actually an adjective used to describe a state of desire.
When do people say it?
When making polite requests, the phrase お願いします is often used. Additionally, adding ください to the end of a verb indicates a polite request.
Did you know?
- If you use hoshii to describe what someone else wants, it can be seen as assuming too much about their private thoughts unless you add a suffix to make it an observation.
- To politely ask what someone else wants without using hoshii, Japanese speakers often use the phrase いりますか (irimasu ka), which literally asks if the object is 'necessary'.
- The word nanika (something) is formed by combining nani (what) and ka (an uncertain particle), effectively turning a question word into an indefinite pronoun.
Examples in context
- 何か欲しいの？Do you want something?This sentence is useful for asking 何か欲しい in an informal way.Tatoeba #4212767 by small_snow, translation #1582119 by Spamster
- 水をください。お願いします。Please give me some water.
- この本を買いたいです。お願いします。I would like to buy this book, please.
- 映画を見たいと思っています。I want to watch a movie.
- 旅行に行きたいと思っています。I want to go on a trip.
- 新しい車がほしい。I want a new car.
- もっとお金がほしい。I want more money.
- 飲み物をくださいPlease give me a drink.
- 寿司を食べたいですI want to eat sushi
- 何か欲しいものがある？nanika hoshii mono ga aru?Is there something you want?
- 誕生日に何か欲しい？tanjoubi ni nanika hoshii?Do you want something for your birthday?
Example conversation
Yuta is asking Yui about a birthday present.
- 陽太 Yota結衣、誕生日になにか欲しい？Yui, tanjoubi ni nanika hoshii?Yui, do you want something for your birthday?
- 結衣 Yuiうーん、何か欲しいものがあるかな。Uun, nanika hoshii mono ga aru kana.Hmm, I wonder if there is something I want.
- 陽太 Yota遠慮しないで言ってね。Enryo shinaide itte ne.Don't be shy, just tell me.
- 結衣 Yuiじゃあ、新しい靴が欲しい！Jaa, atarashii kutsu ga hoshii!Then, I want new shoes!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
