Processing keyword: Verb て ほしい (Verb-te hoshii)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb て ほしい (Verb-te hoshii)

Verb て ほしい (Verb-te hoshii)

1. Introduction

The grammar point Verb て ほしい (Verb-te hoshii) is used to express a desire for someone else to do something. It is a way of asking for or wishing that someone will perform an action on your behalf. This expression combines the te-form of a verb with the adjective ほしい (hoshii), which means "to want."

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• The structure of this grammar point is:

  Verb (て-form) + ほしい (hoshii)

• The te-form is used to create a request or desire. When you want someone else to do something, you would conjugate the verb into its te-form and add ほしい.

• ほしい (hoshii) indicates desire, and when combined with the te-form of a verb, it conveys the idea that you wish for someone to take a certain action.

Meaning, Structure, and Formation

• Meaning: "I want [someone] to do [something]."
• Structure: [Verb (te-form)] + ほしい
• Formation Diagram:

  Verb (dictionary form)  →  Verb (te-form) + ほしい
  

Visual Aids

3. Comparative Analysis

Compare with Similar Grammar Points

1. Verb て ください (Verb-te kudasai): This is a more direct request asking someone to do something for you. Whereas Verb-te hoshii expresses a desire or want, Verb-te kudasai is more of a command or instruction.

   • Example:
     • 行ってください (itte kudasai) - Please go.
     • 行ってほしい (itte hoshii) - I want you to go.

2. Verb たい (Verb-tai): This form expresses one's own desire to do something.

   • Example:
     • 行きたい (ikitai) - I want to go.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Context:
   • 先生に教えてほしいです。
     (Sensei ni oshiete hoshii desu.)
     "I want the teacher to teach me."
2. Informal Context:
   • 友達に手伝ってほしい。
     (Tomodachi ni tetsudatte hoshii.)
     "I want my friend to help me."
3. Written Context:
   • もっと文を理解してほしい。
     (Motto bun o rikai shite hoshii.)
     "I want you to understand the sentence better."
4. Spoken Context:
   • 彼に来てほしいな。
     (Kare ni kite hoshii na.)
     "I want him to come."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Using Verb-te hoshii is often dependent on your relationship with the person you are speaking to. In Japanese culture, expressing desires toward others can reflect social hierarchies and levels of politeness. It's essential to consider context and formality.

Idiomatic Expressions

• いい経験をしてほしい。
  (Ii keiken o shite hoshii.)
  "I hope you have a good experience."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Inappropriate context: Using Verb てほしい in very formal settings may come off as rude. Instead, consider using てください.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that ほしい sounds like "ho" and "she" which can help you recall that it’s about someone you want to do something (think of someone wanting something from "her").

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Verb てほしい (Verb-te hoshii) expresses a desire for others to do something.
• Structure: Te-form of a verb + ほしい.
• Be mindful of formality based on context.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What is the structure to make a request using ほしい?
2. How does Verb てほしい differ from Verb てください?
3. Provide a sentence using 行く (iku - to go) in the te-form with ほしい. Use this guide to understand and practice using Verb てほしい effectively!