18 Aug
nonγγ»γγ & verbγγγ§γ | Minna no Nihongo | Lesson 13
### Expressing Desires in Japanese | Minna no Nihongo | Lesson 13
In Lesson 13 of "Minna no Nihongo," you'll learn how to express desires using two key structures: **ιγγ»γγ** (non ga hoshii) and **verbγγγ§γ** (verb-tai desu). These expressions allow you to convey what you want or desire in Japanese. Letβs break down each structure.
### 1. **ιγγ»γγ (Non ga hoshii)**
The structure **ιγγ»γγ** (non ga hoshii) is used to express a desire to have something, usually a noun. This is a straightforward way to indicate that you want a particular item or object.
#### **Structure:**
- **Noun + γ + γ»γγγ§γ** (hoshii desu)
#### **Examples:**
- **ζ°γγθ»γγ»γγγ§γγ** (Atarashii kuruma ga hoshii desu.)
Β - I want a new car.
- **ζ¬γγ»γγγ§γγ** (Hon ga hoshii desu.)
Β - I want a book.
#### **Notes:**
- **γ»γγ (hoshii)** is used to describe the desire for things, not for actions.
- Itβs important to remember that **γ»γγ** (hoshii) is typically used for items or objects, not for actions or events.
### 2. **Verbγγγ§γ (Verb-tai desu)**
The structure **verbγγγ§γ** (verb-tai desu) is used to express a desire to do something. This form is added to the stem of a verb to indicate that you want to perform that action.
#### **Structure:**
- **Verb Stem + γγγ§γ** (tai desu)
#### **Examples:**
- **ζ₯ζ¬γΈθ‘γγγγ§γγ** (Nihon e ikitai desu.)
Β - I want to go to Japan.
- **ζ η»γθ¦γγγ§γγ** (Eiga o mitai desu.)
Β - I want to watch a movie.
#### **Notes:**
- **γγ (tai)** is attached to the verb stem to express the desire to perform the action.
- When using this form, the verb **γγ** is conjugated similarly to adjectives:
Β - **Present Positive:** **verb-stem + γγγ§γ** (tai desu)
Β - **Present Negative:** **verb-stem + γγγͺγγ§γ** (takunai desu)
Β - **Past Positive:** **verb-stem + γγγ£γγ§γ** (takatta desu)
Β - **Past Negative:** **verb-stem + γγγͺγγ£γγ§γ** (takunakatta desu)
### Practical Examples
1. **Expressing Desires for Objects:**
Β Β - **ιγγ»γγ (Non ga hoshii):**
Β Β Β - **ζ°γγγγ½γ³γ³γγ»γγγ§γγ** (Atarashii pasokon ga hoshii desu.)
Β Β Β Β - I want a new computer.
Β Β Β - **ι«γι΄γγ»γγγ§γγ** (Takai kutsu ga hoshii desu.)
Β Β Β Β - I want expensive shoes.
2. **Expressing Desires for Actions:**
Β Β - **Verbγγγ§γ (Verb-tai desu):**
Β Β Β - **ζ
θ‘γ«θ‘γγγγ§γγ** (RyokΕ ni ikitai desu.)
Β Β Β Β - I want to go on a trip.
Β Β Β - **ζηγδ½γγγγ§γγ** (RyΕri o tsukuritai desu.)
Β Β Β Β - I want to cook.
### Summary
- **ιγγ»γγ (Non ga hoshii)** is used to express a desire to have or obtain something.
- **Verbγγγ§γ (Verb-tai desu)** is used to express a desire to do something.
By using these structures, youβll be able to clearly convey your wants and desires in Japanese, whether youβre talking about objects or actions. Practice these expressions to become more comfortable with expressing your desires in various contexts. Happy studying!
