〜てほしい
want someone to ~
Express a wish for an action, object, or future result.
Remember it
Name the wish, then give it the shape 〜てほしい.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜てほしい」 means "want someone to ~". Structure: Verb te-form + ほしい. This is a JLPT N3 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Use it for personal wishes; soften it when asking another person to act.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1早く修理を直してほしいです。
はやく しゅうり を なおして ほしい です。
hayaku shuuri o naoshite hoshii desu.
I want you to fix the repair soon.
At work
Example 2早く資料を直してほしいです。
はやく しりょう を なおして ほしい です。
hayaku shiryou o naoshite hoshii desu.
I want you to fix the materials soon.
Everyday life
Example 3早く機械を直してほしいです。
はやく きかい を なおして ほしい です。
hayaku kikai o naoshite hoshii desu.
I want you to fix the machine soon.
Everyday life
Example 4早く材料を直してほしいです。
はやく ざいりょう を なおして ほしい です。
hayaku zairyou o naoshite hoshii desu.
I want you to fix the ingredients soon.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 4
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
I want you to fix the repair soon.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜てほしい.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.