How to Say ‘I wanted to talk’ in Japanese
話したかったんです
hanashi takatsu ta n desu
[hah-nah-shee takak tah n dess]
💬 Usage Tip: Change ます to たい to say you want to do something, and to たかった for "wanted to". The んです ending adds a tone of explaining your reason.
Phrase Breakdown
話し
hanashi
[hah-nah-shee]
talk; speak (stem)
Stem of 話す. Used before auxiliaries like 「たい」 to say “want to talk.”
少し話しませんか。話したいことがある。
Can we talk a bit? There’s something I want to talk about.
たかっ
takatsu
[takak]
wanted
Expresses past desire.
それを欲しかった。
I wanted that.
た
ta
[tah]
past tense ending
This ending completes the polite past tense form.
空席がございまし た。
There were vacant seats.
ん
n
[n]
(explanatory n)
Casual form of の; adds a tone of seeking or giving an explanation, often before です.
どうしたんですか。
What happened?
です
desu
[dess]
is; polite copula
A polite sentence ending used in formal conversation.
少し伺いたいです。
I would like to ask a little.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”
James O., 28, Remote Worker
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager