What does the Japanese auxiliary verb "～itai" mean? Grammar, usage, and example sentences.

update date 2024/05/13

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When you want to express your "hopes and desires" in Japanese, how do you communicate them? In this article, we will pick up the Japanese auxiliary verb "～itai" and explain in detail its meaning, JLPT level, and even how to use it in different situations and example sentences for each verb. We will also discuss how to express your own thoughts, questions to others, and requests using "たい", as well as grammar and the different uses of the particle, so please be sure to refer to this article.

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Meaning of the Japanese auxiliary verb "~tai (tai)" and its JLPT level

When we express "to want" in Japanese, we are conveying the sentiment that we desire or need something. This expression, like the English words "want" and "need," indicates hope or desire.

In the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), "~tai" is covered at the most basic N5 level and serves as an auxiliary verb. This expression, encountered in the early stages of learning Japanese, is very important because it is used frequently in both everyday speech and written Japanese.

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3 grammatical usages and examples of 【 Situational 】 "〜たい (tai)".

The expression "~tai" can be used in a variety of situations. Here, we will deepen your grammatical understanding through its usage and specific example sentences.

1. express your hopes and desires

The most common situations in which "~tai" is used are when expressing one's desires or wishes to others. The example sentences below express various desires in daily life.

I want to meet that person.
I'd love to have a hamburger.
I feel like watching a movie.

2. ask questions by imagining the other person's hopes and desires

Use "~tai" also when gently asking what the other person wants to do, while respecting their feelings and wishes. This serves to facilitate communication as well as give the other person a choice.

What are you hoping to do for fun today?
Let us know if there is anything you would like to eat.
What would you like to do after this?

3. imagine the other person's hopes and desires and ask for help

Furthermore, "-tai" can also be used to express a desire or request for the other person to do something. This usage is a gentle way to indicate your wishes while giving the other person a choice.

Can you choose a movie from this list that you would like to see?
I would like to invite you to participate in this event.

Reference:Tai - Wiktionary Japanese Edition,Expressions of Hopes and Desires "～Tai～ai" | Japanese Teacher's Plaza

Example sentences of "~Tai (tai)" by verbs

Depending on the verb, expressions using "～itai" can vary abundantly. Here, we will introduce example sentences combining various verbs with "～Tai", focusing on verbs commonly used in daily life. This will help you better understand the various uses of "~tai".

meetI would like to see you again.
view (e.g. flowers, movie): I would love to see that new movie!
sayI want to say frankly what is on my mind.
consider: I would like to take some more time to think it over.
erase: Sometimes I wish I could erase all unwanted memories.
range: I want to cross the legendary bridge with my own feet.

verb	model sentence
meet	I would like to see you again.
view (e.g. flowers, movie)	I would love to see that new film!
say	I want to say frankly what is on my mind.
consider	I would like to take some more time to think this through.
erase	Sometimes we want to erase all unnecessary memories.
range	I want to cross the legendary bridge with my own feet.

On the particles "ga, wo, ni," etc., used in "~tai (tai)

In the expression "~ want to", how the particles "ga", "wo", and "ni" are used depends on the context and intent. The choice of these particles plays an important role in conveying the detailed nuances of the emotion or situation you wish to express. Below we provide more specific guidelines on the use of "ga," "wo," and "ni" as examples of common usage.

When the phrase "I want to" is used, various particles are used at the same time, such as "I want to", "I want to", "I want to", "I want to", "I want to", "I want to", "I want to", "I want to", "I want to". How these particles are used depends on the context and intent, and the choice of particle plays an important role in conveying the detailed nuances of the emotion or situation to be expressed.

The following is a more specific explanation of the use of the particles "ga," "wo," and "ni" as examples of common usage.

Reference:Expressions of Hopes and Desires "～Tai～ai" | Japanese Teacher's Plaza

When "________ wants to ~" is common

It is mainly used to express one's inner desires and wants. In the case of "I want to see a movie" or "I want to eat sushi," the speaker's own strong desire is reflected.

When "________ wants to ~" is common	model sentence
When in doubt ("____ wants to ~" or "____ wants to ~")	I want to see a movie. Both "ga" and "o" are possible.
Desire for everyday movement	I want to eat hamburgers. I want to drink juice.
When emphasizing desires	I really want to read that book. I definitely want to play basketball.
When choosing one of the options	If I had to choose, I would want strawberry flavor.

When "____ to ~ want to" is common

It is used when the object of the action is clear or when a specific action is desired. Expressing "I want to fly" or "I want to swim in the ocean" indicates a desire to perform a specific activity.

When "____ to ~ want to" is common	model sentence
Desire to act on a specific object	I want to fly freely in the sky.
abstract-application	I just want to dream a little longer.
When indirect expressions are included	I want to eat a lot of sweet things.

Use of other particles

In addition to "ga" and "wo," the words "~tai" are sometimes used in combination with other particles such as "ni. These are used to express a desire to go to a place ("I want to go to the beach") or a specific relationship ("I want to play with you").

In some cases, particles are omitted, and expressions are flexibly adjusted according to intent and context. For example, "I want to think about it some more" and "I want to go home soon" are direct and gentle ways of conveying the speaker's desire.

The following are examples of "~tai" expressions using particles other than "ga" and "wo".

I miss you.
I really want to go home.
I want to go to that place.
I want to play with you.
I want to end it now.
I want to live peacefully.

Thus, in expressions using "～itai," each of the selected particles helps to convey the detailed differences in the speaker's intentions and desires. Appropriate use of these particles will allow for richer Japanese expression.

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summary

This article describes the Japanese auxiliary verb "～itai", its meaning, usage, and how it is used in various contexts. The expression "~-tai" is essential in conveying personal wishes and desires, and is used in combination with various context-sensitive particles such as "ga," "wo," and "ni. Appropriate use of these particles is important to convey intent more clearly.