How do you say "Want to do" in Japanese?

"Want to do" in Japanese is "をしたいです". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

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How to Say ‘Want to do’ in Japanese

Q: What does "をしたいです" mean in English?

"をしたいです" means "Want to do" in English. Usage tip: [～をしたいです] means “I want to do ~ / I’d like to do ~.” It’s a polite way to say what you came for at the counter.

をしたいです

o shi tai desu

[oh shee tie dess]

💬 Usage Tip: [～をしたいです] means “I want to do ~ / I’d like to do ~.” It’s a polite way to say what you came for at the counter.

🇯🇵 In Japan: In offices, saying your purpose clearly with [～をしたいです] helps staff guide you fast—very practical and very appreciated.

Phrase Breakdown

を

[oh]

object marker

This particle marks the thing you want to do. In this phrase, it connects a noun to したいです.

Example

手続きををしたいです、とは言いません。

You do not say "tetsuzuki o o shitai desu."

し

shi

[shee]

This is the stem of する, meaning "to do." It is used with nouns like 変更 to mean "make a change."

Example

住所変更をしたいです、と丁寧に言えます。

You can politely say, "I would like to change my address."

たい

tai

[tie]

want to

This ending shows desire to do something. Attached to し, it becomes したい, "want to do."

Example

手続きをしたいです、の「たい」は希望を表します。

The "tai" in tetsuzuki o shitai desu expresses desire.

です

desu

[dess]

is / polite ending

This polite sentence ending makes the phrase sound formal and appropriate at the ward office.

Example

住所変更をしたいです、は丁寧な言い方です。

"Jūsho henkō o shitai desu" is a polite way of speaking.

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