Translation and Meaning of: 欲しい - hoshii

The Japanese word 「欲しい」 (hoshii) is an adjective that expresses desire or the wish to possess something. Etymologically, 「欲しい」 relates to the concept of desire or longing, permeating the nuances of desire in multiple contexts, from the ephemeral to the constant. The word itself is often used to express what someone wants or wishes to obtain, being a common expression in everyday conversations in Japan.

The origin of the word dates back to everyday use in the Japanese language, being a linguistic representation directly linked to basic human feelings and needs. In the Japanese writing system, 「欲しい」 incorporates the kanji 「欲」, which is also found in more complex words related to desire, such as 「欲望」 (yokubou), meaning 'desire' or 'longing' in a broader and deeper sense. The use of the kanji in this context helps to ground the word in a comprehensive cultural understanding of the nature of human desire.

Use of 「欲しい」 in Everyday Japanese

• To express direct desire: It is common to use 「欲しい」 to express what one wants in a simple and direct manner. This word often accompanies objects, experiences, or even desired feelings.
• In negative sentences: It can be used in contexts where the person expresses a lack of desire, modifying the statement to establish the need or disinterest.
• Regional variations: Although 「欲しい」 is universal throughout Japan, the way it is used or the frequency may vary slightly depending on the dialect or region.

The word 「欲しい」 plays a fundamental role in communication, allowing people to articulate their needs and desires clearly and concisely. Understanding and properly using 「欲しい」 is essential for mastering the Japanese language, as well as for grasping the cultural nuances that this expression encompasses.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• ほしい (hoshii) - to desire (something desired)
• 求める (motomeru) - search, demand (a necessity)
• 必要とする (hitsuyou to suru) - to require (something that is necessary)
• 欲求する (yokkyuu suru) - to have a wish or longing (a stronger desire)
• 希望する (kibou suru) - wait or have hope (positive desire)

欲しい

Romaji: hoshii
Kana: ほしい
Type: adjective
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: wanted; wanted; needing; wanted

Meaning in English: wanted;wished for;in need of;desired

Definition: Want: The feeling of wanting to have something you don't have.

Example Sentences - (欲しい) hoshii

See below some example sentences:

私は新しいスマートフォンが欲しいです。

Watashi wa atarashii sumātofon ga hoshii desu

I want a new smartphone.

I want a new smartphone.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 新しい (atarashii) - adjective meaning "new"
• スマートフォン (sumātofon) - noun meaning "smartphone"
• が (ga) - particle that marks the subject of the sentence, in this case "smartphone"
• 欲しい (hoshii) - adjective meaning "to want"
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or formal form of the sentence

スマートなデザインのスマートフォンが欲しいです。

Sumāto na dezain no sumātofon ga hoshii desu

I want a smartphone with a smart design.

• スマートな - adjective meaning "intelligent" or "elegant"
• デザイン - noun that means "design"
• の - Article that indicates possession or attribution
• スマートフォン - noun meaning "smartphone"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 欲しい - adjective meaning "to want" or "to desire"
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

三日間休みが欲しいです。

Mikka kan yasumi ga hoshii desu

I want three days off.

I want a three-day break.

• 三日間 (mikakan) - "三日" em japonês significa "três dias".
• 休み (yasumi) - It means "holiday" or "rest" in Japanese.
• が (ga) - Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 欲しい (hoshii) - Japanese verb that means "to want" or "to desire"
• です (desu) - Japanese copula that indicates the present tense and the formality of the sentence.

刺激が欲しい。

Shigeki ga hoshii

I want stimulation/excitement.

I want a boost.

• 刺激 (shigeki) - stimulus, excitement
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 欲しい (hoshii) - to want, to desire

四日間休みが欲しいです。

Yokka kan yasumi ga hoshii desu

I want four days off.

I want a four-day break.

• 四日間 - "四日" em japonês.
• 休み - It means "rest" or "day off" in Japanese.
• が - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 欲しい - Japanese verb that means "to want" or "to desire".
• です - The polite and respectful form of the verb "to be" in Japanese is "です" (desu).

本物の品質を持つ製品が欲しいです。

Honmono no hinshitsu wo motsu seihin ga hoshii desu

I want a product with real quality.

• 本物の品質を持つ - genuine quality
• 製品 - product
• 欲しい - wish
• です - Is (verb to be in the present tense)