How to Say “I Want”, “I Can”, and “I Must” in Japanese

If you’re planning a trip to Japan or just getting started with Japanese, learning how to express wants, abilities, and obligations is a game-changer. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll break down how to say:

• ✅ “I want” → 欲しい [hoshii] / ～たい [~tai]
• ✅ “I can” → ～できる [~dekiru] / ～られる [~rareru]
• ✅ “I must” → ～なければならない [~nakereba naranai] / ～といけない [~to ikenai]

Let’s explore each structure with real-life examples you can actually use in Japan.

1. How to say“I Want”in Japanese

There are two main ways to say “I want” depending on whether you’re talking about a thing or an action.

➤ To want a thing:

Use 欲しい [hoshii]

📌 Example:
水が欲しいです。
[みずが ほしいです]
Mizu ga hoshii desu
→ I want some water.

You can use this for objects, food, etc.

➤ To want to do something:

Use the ～たい [tai] form of the verb.

📌 Example:
日本に行きたいです。
[にほんにいきたいです]
Nihon ni ikitai desu
→ I want to go to Japan.

すしを食べたいです。
[すしをたべたいです]
Sushi o tabetai desu
→ I want to eat sushi.

2. How to Say“I Can” in Japanese

There are also two common ways to express ability depending on the verb.

➤ Using ～できる [dekiru]

This is used for general abilities or skills.

📌 Example:
日本語ができます。
[にほんごができます]
Nihongo ga dekimasu
→ I can speak Japanese.

泳ぐことができます。
[およぐことができます]
Oyogu koto ga dekimasu
→ I can swim.

➤ Using the potential form of the verb (for more natural speech)

📌 Example:
漢字が読めます。
[かんじがよめます]
Kanji ga yomemasu
→ I can read kanji.

お酒が飲めません。
[おさけがのめません]
Osake ga nomemasen
→ I can’t drink alcohol.

3. How to Say“I Must”in Japanese

Talking about things you must do is common when living or working in Japan.

➤ Using ～なければなりません [nakereba narimasen]

Formal and often used in writing or polite speech.

📌 Example:
パスポートを持たなければなりません。
[ぱすぽーとをもたなければ なりません]
Pasupōto o motanakereba narimasen
→ I must bring my passport.

➤ Using ～といけません [to ikemasen]

More casual and used in spoken Japanese.

📌 Example:
宿題をしないといけません。
[しゅくだいをしないと いけません]
Shukudai o shinai to ikemasen
→ I must do my homework.

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Final tips for Beginners

✔️ Start using these expressions right away in your daily practice
✔️ Focus on speaking naturally, not perfectly
✔️ Listen to how these forms are used in anime, dramas, or travel videos

And most importantly… immerse yourself bit by bit. You’ve got this 💪