GRAMMAR DETAIL

てほしい

want someone to

Follows the connective form of a verb to express an action that the speaker wants or expects another person to perform.

Examples

困ったときは一人で悩まず私に相談してほしい。

When you have a problem, I want you to talk to me instead of worrying about it alone.

次は時間を守ってほしい。

I want you to be on time next time.

使った道具は元の場所に戻してほしい。

I would like you to return the tools you used to their original places.

Structure: A verb's て form is followed by ほしい to express a desired action.
Basic usage: 次は時間を守ってほしい。 expresses a wish that the listener be on time next time.

The person wishing and the person acting
- In 私は友達に来てほしい, the speaker wishes and the friend performs the act of coming. Distinguish たい for one's own desired action, as in 私は行きたい.
Wishing for an action not to occur
- 来ないでほしい expresses a wish that someone not come. Use ないで when negating the preceding action.