GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜てほしいものだ
Expresses a strong wish that a particular person or society take a desirable action.
Examples
若い世代にも地域の文化を大切にしてほしいものだ。
I sincerely hope that younger generations will also cherish the local culture.
Words used
若者にも地域の行事に参加してほしいものだ。
I really hope that young people will also take part in local events.
Words used
子どもたちには自由に夢を描いてほしいものだ。
I sincerely hope that children will be free to dream.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: After a verb's te-form,
ほしいものだemphasizes a sincere wish for someone else to take a desirable action. - Basic usage:
若者にも地域の行事に参加してほしいものだ。expresses a heartfelt wish for young people to participate in local events.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Who wishes and who acts
- In
後輩に挑戦してほしいものだ, the speaker wishes and the junior colleague is to take on the challenge. This differs from挑戦したい, which expresses the speaker's own desire to try.
- In
- A wish versus a direct request
参加してくださいdirectly asks someone to participate.参加してほしいものだexpresses the speaker's wish with feeling and can carry expectations or disappointment, depending on context.