Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 3
Core Pattern
Use noun + が ほしいです to say that you want a thing. This pattern is for objects, not actions. The desired item is usually marked with が.
Target signal
あたらしい くつが ほしいです。
I want new shoes.
The wanted item is usually marked by が.
Vocabulary notes
- あたらしい
- new
- ほしいです
- want; would like
- ほしい
- wanted; desired
Compare in context
いま 水が ほしいです。
I want water now.
いま makes the desire feel immediate.
Vocabulary notes
- ほしいです
- want; would like
- ほしい
- wanted; desired
- いま
- now
Compare in context
たんじょうびに じてんしゃが ほしいです。
I want a bicycle for my birthday.
たんじょうびに adds the occasion for the wish.
Vocabulary notes
- たんじょうび
- birthday
- じてんしゃ
- bicycle
- ほしいです
- want; would like
Section 2 of 3
Asking About Wants
You can ask 何がほしいですか in everyday conversation. Keep the context clear, because ほしい is natural for objects, gifts, food, and things you want to have.
Target signal
何が ほしいですか。
What do you want?
何が ほしいですか asks for a thing, not an action.
Vocabulary notes
- ほしいですか
- what do you want?; do you want…?
- ほしいです
- want; would like
- ほしい
- wanted; desired
Preview
小さい かばんが ほしいです。
I want a small bag.
An adjective can describe the kind of thing wanted.
Vocabulary notes
- ほしいです
- want; would like
- かばん
- bag
- ほしい
- wanted; desired
Preview
プレゼントに 本が ほしいです。
I want a book as a present.
プレゼントに frames what is wanted as a gift.
Vocabulary notes
- プレゼント
- present; gift
- ほしいです
- want; would like
- ほしい
- wanted; desired
Section 3 of 3
Reading in Context
In reading, ほしい often appears in wish lists, gift conversations, and short personal writing. It can also combine with adjectives to show exactly what kind of thing the speaker wants.
Target signal
わたしは べんりな パソコンが ほしいです。
I want a convenient computer.
べんりな modifies パソコン before the noun.
Vocabulary notes
- ほしいです
- want; would like
- パソコン
- personal computer
- べんりな
- convenient (before a noun)
Preview
弟は あたらしい ボールが ほしいと いっています。
My younger brother says he wants a new ball.
This example previews quoting another person's wish.
Vocabulary notes
- いっています
- says; is saying
- あたらしい
- new
- います
- there is; exists (animate)