Desire & Intent

Introduction

Talking about what you want, what you plan to do, and what you intend to happen is fundamental to communication. Japanese has several patterns for expressing desire and intent, each with different levels of directness.

These patterns are among the most frequently used in everyday conversation.

Themes

All Japanese Grammar Basic in This Chapter (12)

1. ～たい (want to do) たい Expresses the speaker's desire to do something. It attaches to the verb masu-stem and conjugates like an い-adjective.
2. ～欲しい (want something) ほしい Expresses the speaker's desire to have or obtain something. The desired object is marked with the particle が. It functions as an い-adject...
3. ～てほしい (want someone to do) てほしい Expresses the speaker's desire for someone else to perform an action. The person being asked is marked with に, and the verb takes the て-f...
4. ～つもり (intend to) つもり Expresses the speaker's intention or firm plan to do something. It follows the dictionary form of a verb for affirmative intentions and t...
5. ～ようと思う (think of doing) ようとおもう Expresses the speaker's desire or decision to do something. It combines the volitional form of a verb with と思う to indicate a plan or reso...
6. ～ことにする (decide to) ことにする Expresses a volitional decision made by the speaker to do or not do something. The verb in dictionary form precedes ことにする for affirmative...
7. ～ことになる (it turns out that) ことになる Expresses that something has been decided or will happen as a result of circumstances beyond the speaker's direct control. It conveys out...
8. ～にする (decide on) にする Expresses that someone has decided on or chosen something from available options. It is commonly used when ordering food, selecting items...
9. ～ましょう (let's / shall I) ましょう Expresses the speaker's volition to do something or extends an invitation in polite speech. It is the formal volitional form of verbs.
10. ～なさい (do ~) なさい A polite but firm imperative used by superiors such as parents or teachers to give instructions to those of lower status. It is softer th...
11. ～ください (please do) ください A polite request form asking someone to perform an action. It follows the て-form of a verb and is one of the most fundamental polite expr...
12. ～ほうがいい (had better) ほうがいい Strongly suggests or advises that someone should do something. With the た-form of the verb, it gives positive advice; with the ない-form, i...