JLPT N5 Grammar ほしいです | Meaning, Usage, Examples & Practice (I want ~ / I would like ~)

JLPT N5 Grammar: ほしいです

I want ~ / I would like ~ – Express your desires politely

JLPT N5 文法 ほしいです 解説

Looking for the meaning of ほしいです for JLPT N5? This complete guide explains how to say “I want ~” in Japanese with natural examples and exam tips.

🚀 Quick JLPT N5 Warm-up Quiz (Think 5 seconds!)

Q1: You are thirsty. How do you say “I want water”?
A. 水を飲みます
B. 水がほしいです

Answer: B

Quick Summary

Grammar Point
ほしいです
Meaning
I want ~ / I would like ~
Usage
Noun + が ほしいです
Example

I want water.
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What does ほしいです mean?

ほしいです (Hoshii desu) is the polite way to say “I want ~” or “I would like ~”. It is used with nouns to express your desire.

Learn it properly with Anup Sensei at Gogaku Language & Training Center in Pokhara.

How to Pronounce ほしいです

Pronunciation: ho-shii desu (ほ・し・い です)

Examples & Mini Dialogue


I want water.

I want a new smartphone.

I want a day off.
Mini Dialogue
A: 何がほしいですか？
B: 日本語の辞書がほしいです。

When to Use ほしいです in Real Japan

  • Shopping or ordering food
  • Talking about your dreams or wishes
  • Asking what someone wants
  • Expressing needs politely

Common Mistakes

✕ 水をほしいです。
✓ 水がほしいです。
✕ 行きたいです (for nouns)
✓ Use 〜たい for verbs, ほしいです for nouns

JLPT N5 Practice Questions

1. “I want a Japanese dictionary.”

  • A. 日本語の辞書をほしいです。
  • B. 日本語の辞書がほしいです。
Show AnswerCorrect: B
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About the Instructor

This lesson is taught by Anup Sensei, an experienced Japanese language instructor at Gogaku Language & Training Center in Pokhara. He has studied and worked in Japan and specializes in practical JLPT preparation and real-life communication skills.

JLPT N5 Polite Expressions Cluster
→ Full JLPT N5 Grammar Hub
すみません | 失礼します | どうぞ | ですね | ほしいです | ありがとうございます

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ほしいです mean?

It means “I want ~” or “I would like ~” and is used with nouns.

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Expert JLPT N5 Preparation with Anup Sensei • www.gogakueducation.com
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