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Travel Japanese:~たいんですが(tai n desu ga)

Aug 9, 2024


 When you travel, knowing the phrase “~tai n desu ga(I would like to...)” is very useful when using services. For example, if you want to request a morning call at the hotel front desk, you can say, “Morning Call o onegai shitai n desu ga (I would like a morning call...),”and they will take care of it.

 

You might know expressions like “te morae masu ka(Can you...)?” or “te itadake masu kaCould you...?” for making requests in Japanese. However, when asking for something as a traveler, “tai n desu gaI would like to...”is more commonly used.

 

The phrase “tai n desu gaI would like to...)” literally means “I want to..., but...”. The “ga(but)” at the end signals that you’re waiting for a response. After saying “tai n desu gaI would like to...,”you don’t need to say anything more—the service provider will understand your request and help you.

 However, there is one thing you should be careful about. The expression is slightly different when you want to do something yourself and when you want someone else to do it. For example, if you want someone to keep your luggage, it’s not you but the other person who will keep it. In this case, saying “nimotsu o azukari tai n desu ga(I would like to keep the luggage...)”won’t convey your request properly. You need to add “te hoshiiI would like you to...)” and say, “nimotsu o azukatte hoshii n desu ga(I would like you to keep my luggage...).”


 Let's practice. What would you say in Japanese in the following situations?

1)When you want to change rooms

2)When you want to know the Wifi password

3)When you need help carrying your luggage

4)When you want to know recommended sightseeing spots

5)When you want to go to a vegetarian restaurant

   <Vocabulary

change room=へやを へんこうする

tell the password=パスワードを おしえる

carry the luggage=にもつを はこぶ

recommended sightseeing spots=おすすめの かんこうスポット

vegetarian restaurant=ベジタリアンの レストラン

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