ほしい is an i-adjective meaning "want." Used for objects you desire (not actions — use たい for that).
Wanting objects - I want X (noun が ほしい)
Wanting someone to do - See てほしい for this usage
Conjugates as i-adjective: ほしい → ほしくない → ほしかった
See examples below for varied real-world usage.
Object marked with が (not を)
- ✅ 水がほしい
- ❌ 水をほしい
For actions, use たい instead
- 食べたい (want to eat) — not ほしい
Third person — use ほしがっている for others'' wants
What do you want?
I wanted time.
In everyday context, What do you want?
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