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Want something
Definition
The grammar pattern "がほしい" is used to express a desire to have something, typically an object. It is conjugated like an い-adjective, allowing for the creation of negative and past tense forms. This pattern is distinct from "たい", which is used to express a desire to do something. The correct usage of "がほしい" is crucial to avoid confusion with other grammatical patterns.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | Noun + が + ほしい | 新しいかばんがほしい |
| Negative | Noun + が + ほしくない | 新しいかばんがほしくない |
| Past | Noun + が + ほしかった | 新しいかばんがほしかった |
Examples
たんじょうびに新しいかばんがほしい
Tanjoubi ni atarashii kabangahoshii
I want a new bag for my birthday.
たんじょうび (birthday), 新しいかばん (new bag), がほしい (want)
のどがかわきました。つめたい水がほしい
Nodo ga kawakimashita. Tsume tai mizu ga hoshii
My throat is sore. I want some water.
のどがかわきました (my throat is sore), つめたい水 (some water), がほしい (want)
新しい家がほしい
Atarashii ie ga hoshii
I want a new house.
新しい家 (new house), がほしい (want)
この本がほしい
Kono hon ga hoshii
I want this book.
この本 (this book), がほしい (want)
Context
The grammar pattern "がほしい" is used to express a desire to have something, typically an object. It is conjugated like an い-adjective, allowing for the creation of negative and past tense forms. This pattern is distinct from "たい", which is used to express a desire to do something.
Watch out
The pattern "がほしい" is specifically used for nouns, not verbs. Using it with verbs can lead to confusion and incorrect usage.
The object being desired takes が with the pattern "がほしい". Using を instead can lead to incorrect usage and confusion.
The pattern "がほしい" is specifically used for nouns, not actions. Using it with actions can lead to confusion and incorrect usage.
Strategy
When using the pattern "がほしい" in the JLPT exam, make sure to conjugate it correctly and use it with nouns, not verbs. Be careful not to confuse it with other grammatical patterns, such as "たい".
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N5 test-style questions. Each sentence shows がほしい used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
たんじょうびに新しいかばんがほしいです。
Pattern used: がほしいです
The desired object takes が with ほしい. を is incorrect here. たい is used with verbs, not nouns.
A：「何がほしいですか。」B：「新しいくつがほしいです。」
Pattern used: 新しいくつがほしいです
The question asks 'what do you want?' using ほしい, so the natural response echoes ほしい. 買いたい (want to buy) and ください (please give me) have different nuances.
のどがかわきました。つめたい水がほしいです。
Pattern used: がほしいです
The speaker is thirsty now and wants cold water. がほしいです expresses a current desire for an object. ほしかった is past tense ('wanted'), which doesn't match the present situation.
Interactive
たんじょうびに新しいかばん______。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.