Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 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 4
Core Pattern
Use noun + to say what you want.
Start with the example
。
I want new shoes.
The wanted item is usually marked by .
Notice the variation
。
I want water now.
makes the desire feel immediate.
More detail: how to apply this
Use noun + to say that you want a thing.
This pattern is for objects, not actions.
The desired item is usually marked with .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Separate wanting a thing from already having it or planning an action with it.
expresses a wish to have it. The sentence does not establish a purchase or present ownership.
。
I want a convenient computer.
Separate wanting a thing from already having it or planning an action with it.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I want new shoes.
The wanted item is usually marked by .
Vocabulary notes
- あたらしい
- new
- ほしいです
- want; would like
Compare in context
。
I want water now.
makes the desire feel immediate.
Vocabulary notes
- いま
- now
- ほしいです
- want; would like
Compare in context
。
I want a bicycle for my birthday.
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 4
Asking About Wants
Asking About Wants
Start with the example
。
What do you want?
asks for a thing, not an action.
Notice the variation
。
I want a small bag.
An adjective can describe the kind of thing wanted.
More detail: how to apply this
You can ask in everyday conversation.
Keep the context clear, because is natural for objects, gifts, food, and things you want to have.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
What do you want?
asks for a thing, not an action.
。
What do you want?
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: What do you want?
Showing Asking About Wants: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
What do you want?
asks for a thing, not an action.
Vocabulary notes
- ほしいですか
- what do you want?; do you want…?
Preview
。
I want a small bag.
An adjective can describe the kind of thing wanted.
Vocabulary notes
- かばん
- bag
- ほしいです
- want; would like
Preview
。
I want a book as a present.
frames what is wanted as a gift.
Vocabulary notes
- プレゼント
- present; gift
- ほしいです
- want; would like
Section 3 of 4
Reading in Context
Separate wanting a thing from already having it or planning an action with it.
Reading in Context
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
describes the computer as convenient. The whole noun phrase is the desired thing.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
In reading, 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.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I want a convenient computer.
modifies before the noun.
。
I want a convenient computer.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I want a convenient computer.
Showing Reading in Context: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
I want a convenient computer.
modifies before the noun.
Vocabulary notes
- べんりな
- convenient (before a noun)
- パソコン
- personal computer
- ほしいです
- want; would like
Preview
。
My younger brother says he wants a new ball.
This example previews quoting another person's wish.
Vocabulary notes
- あたらしい
- new
- いっています
- says; is saying
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
targets a thing;
verb stem plus targets doing an action.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
targets a thing; verb stem plus targets doing an action.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Wants a book / wants to read a book
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.