Learning objectives
- Lesson goals: Learn to express desire for objects with hoshii — first person only, or questions to second person.
- Form and connection: [Noun] が ほしい
- Nuance in real use: ほしい is Japanese's most direct desire expression. But it carries a cultural constraint — you can't casually say what someone else wants. This is grammar reflecting the Japanese distinction between in-group and out-group.
Form and connection
Core Explanation
Learn to express desire for objects with hoshii — first person only, or questions to second person.
Cultural Note
Practical examples
Common pitfalls
Build the base form before adding the pattern
Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.
Match politeness to the situation
The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.
Practice and answers
Show answer
[Noun] が ほしいShow answer
I want a new smartphone.Show answer
友達ともだちがほしいです。 ([Noun] が ほしい)Continue learning
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