Wanting to Do: 〜たい (N5) • Readnihongo

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

Form the pattern from common verbs.

Start with the example

。

I want to go to Japan.

〜 expresses the speaker's own desire.

Notice the variation

。

I want to eat sushi.

is the desired object. is also possible; does not require in every sentence.

More detail: how to apply this

Use the verb stem + to say you want to do something.

This is a personal expression and is especially common with travel, food, hobbies, and weekend plans.

Explain it another way

Try a different way of looking at the same idea.

Find the action inside ; desire does not prove that the action has happened.

comes from without , plus . The wish is to speak more Japanese.

。

I want to speak more Japanese.

Find the action inside ; desire does not prove that the action has happened.

Target signal
。
I want to go to Japan.
〜 expresses the speaker's own desire.
Vocabulary notes
日本にほん
Japan
Compare in context
。
I want to eat sushi.
is the desired object. is also possible; does not require in every sentence.
Vocabulary notes
すし
sushi
Compare in context
。
I want to sleep early today.
Time words like make the desire concrete.
Vocabulary notes
きょう
today

Section 2 of 4

How to Build It

Start with the example

。

I want to read a book.

Start from the -stem: → .

Notice the variation

。

I want to meet a friend.

takes with the person you want to meet.

More detail: how to apply this

Remove and add : →, →, →.

With many transitive verbs the desired object can take or : ／.

Keep other required particles, such as .

For another person’s stated wish, quote it: 「」.

Explain it another way

Try a different way of looking at the same idea.

I want to read a book.

Start from the -stem: → .

。

I want to read a book.

Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I want to read a book.

Target signal
。
I want to read a book.
Start from the -stem: → .
Preview
。
I want to meet a friend.
takes with the person you want to meet.
Vocabulary notes
友だちともだち
friend
Preview
。
I want to watch a movie.
Here marks the object of , so means want to see. The later resemblance pattern, such as (like a dream), has a different structure.
Vocabulary notes
えいが
movie
みたい
like; similar to

Section 3 of 4

Reading in Context

Find the action inside ; desire does not prove that the action has happened.

Reading in Context

。

Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue

means more. It describes the desired increase, not a completed improvement.

More detail: the reading method

sentences are common in conversations about weekend plans, trips, meals, and goals.

Read the main verb first, then connect it to the desire meaning.

Explain it another way

Try a different way of looking at the same idea.

I want to go to the beach this weekend.

Weekend plans often use very naturally.

。

I want to go to the beach this weekend.

Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I want to go to the beach this weekend.

More examples

Target signal
。
I want to go to the beach this weekend.
Weekend plans often use very naturally.
Preview
。
I want to speak more Japanese.
shows a desire to increase ability or activity.
Vocabulary notes
わたし
I; me
もっと
more
日本語にほんご
Japanese language

Section 4 of 4

Compare the meaning

Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.

Your turn · decide before revealing

Which expresses wanting to drink, formed from ?

More detail: what changes and why

Which expresses wanting to drink, formed from ?

Remove to get , then attach .

describes wanting things.

Explain it another way

Try a different way of looking at the same idea.

Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?

Remove to get , then attach . describes wanting things.

Supported meaning: のみたいです

Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.

A small challenge. A whole story.

Take what you just learned into a character’s day.

6 min read

Aya harvests the first red tomato from her family's balcony planter and waits to share it with both parents at dinner.

Read this story →

6 min read

After class, Aya studies at the library, finds the right book, and takes a short break with Mika.

Your mission

What does Aya want to do?

Open reading challenge →

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

Form the pattern from common verbs.

Start with the example

。

I want to go to Japan.

〜 expresses the speaker's own desire.

Notice the variation

。

I want to eat sushi.

is the desired object. is also possible; does not require in every sentence.

More detail: how to apply this

Use the verb stem + to say you want to do something.

This is a personal expression and is especially common with travel, food, hobbies, and weekend plans.

Explain it another way

Try a different way of looking at the same idea.

Find the action inside ; desire does not prove that the action has happened.

comes from without , plus . The wish is to speak more Japanese.

。

I want to speak more Japanese.

Find the action inside ; desire does not prove that the action has happened.

Target signal
。
I want to go to Japan.
〜 expresses the speaker's own desire.
Vocabulary notes
日本にほん
Japan
Compare in context
。
I want to eat sushi.
is the desired object. is also possible; does not require in every sentence.
Vocabulary notes
すし
sushi
Compare in context
。
I want to sleep early today.
Time words like make the desire concrete.
Vocabulary notes
きょう
today

Section 2 of 4

How to Build It

Start with the example

。

I want to read a book.

Start from the -stem: → .

Notice the variation

。

I want to meet a friend.

takes with the person you want to meet.

More detail: how to apply this

Remove and add : →, →, →.

With many transitive verbs the desired object can take or : ／.

Keep other required particles, such as .

For another person’s stated wish, quote it: 「」.

Explain it another way

Try a different way of looking at the same idea.

I want to read a book.

Start from the -stem: → .

。

I want to read a book.

Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I want to read a book.

Target signal
。
I want to read a book.
Start from the -stem: → .
Preview
。
I want to meet a friend.
takes with the person you want to meet.
Vocabulary notes
友だちともだち
friend
Preview
。
I want to watch a movie.
Here marks the object of , so means want to see. The later resemblance pattern, such as (like a dream), has a different structure.
Vocabulary notes
えいが
movie
みたい
like; similar to

Section 3 of 4

Reading in Context

Find the action inside ; desire does not prove that the action has happened.

Reading in Context

。

Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue

means more. It describes the desired increase, not a completed improvement.

More detail: the reading method

sentences are common in conversations about weekend plans, trips, meals, and goals.

Read the main verb first, then connect it to the desire meaning.

Explain it another way

Try a different way of looking at the same idea.

I want to go to the beach this weekend.

Weekend plans often use very naturally.

。

I want to go to the beach this weekend.

Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I want to go to the beach this weekend.

More examples

Target signal
。
I want to go to the beach this weekend.
Weekend plans often use very naturally.
Preview
。
I want to speak more Japanese.
shows a desire to increase ability or activity.
Vocabulary notes
わたし
I; me
もっと
more
日本語にほんご
Japanese language

Section 4 of 4

Compare the meaning

Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.

Your turn · decide before revealing

Which expresses wanting to drink, formed from ?

More detail: what changes and why

Which expresses wanting to drink, formed from ?

Remove to get , then attach .

describes wanting things.

Explain it another way

Try a different way of looking at the same idea.

Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?

Remove to get , then attach . describes wanting things.

Supported meaning: のみたいです

Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.

A small challenge. A whole story.

Take what you just learned into a character’s day.

6 min read

Aya harvests the first red tomato from her family's balcony planter and waits to share it with both parents at dinner.

Read this story →

6 min read

After class, Aya studies at the library, finds the right book, and takes a short break with Mika.

Your mission

What does Aya want to do?

Open reading challenge →

Wanting to Do: 〜たい

Core Pattern

Start with the example

Notice the variation

Find the action inside たい; desire does not prove that the action has happened.

How to Build It

Start with the example

Notice the variation

I want to read a book.

Reading in Context

I want to go to the beach this weekend.

Compare the meaning

Which expresses wanting to drink, formed from のみます?

Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?

Which part expresses “Wanting to perform an action”?

Check your understanding

Do the speaker and friend want the same destination?

Choose the form meaning want to write, starting from かきます.

Build the sentence: Build ‘I want to read a Japanese book.’

Choose the form: How do you say ‘want to eat’?

Does the person want to go out?

A small challenge. A whole story.

ベランダの赤いあかいトマト

図書館としょかんのしずかな席せき

Wanting to Do: 〜たい

Core Pattern

Start with the example

Notice the variation

Find the action inside たい; desire does not prove that the action has happened.

How to Build It

Start with the example

Notice the variation

I want to read a book.

Reading in Context

I want to go to the beach this weekend.

Compare the meaning

Which expresses wanting to drink, formed from のみます?

Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?

Which part expresses “Wanting to perform an action”?

Check your understanding

Do the speaker and friend want the same destination?

Choose the form meaning want to write, starting from かきます.

Build the sentence: Build ‘I want to read a Japanese book.’

Choose the form: How do you say ‘want to eat’?

Does the person want to go out?

A small challenge. A whole story.

ベランダの赤いあかいトマト

図書館としょかんのしずかな席せき

Find the action inside ; desire does not prove that the action has happened.

Which expresses wanting to drink, formed from ?

Choose the form meaning want to write, starting from .

Find the action inside ; desire does not prove that the action has happened.

Which expresses wanting to drink, formed from ?

Choose the form meaning want to write, starting from .