Last week we have learned the words which cannot be used together with “ほしい・たい”. However, if you use wrongly them to superiors such as your boss, professor, etc., it could be horribly impoliteness. Thus, today we will have a deeper insight about how to use them by going through some examples.
- Annaさん(a friend)、明日どこへ行きたいですか？(Where do you want to go tomorrow?)
- このケッキーがとても美味しいです。先生も食べたいですか？(The cake is very good. Do you want to try some, professor?)
As it is a piece of conversation with a friend, there is no problem about the first sentence. However, it is very impolite as the second sentence because you cannot directly use “ほしい・たい” to someone superior to you. The fundamental reason is the Japanese culture. In Japanese, PLEASE NEVER
- talk to your superiors in a way sounds like you are offering a benefit to him/her
e.g. 先生、荷物を持って差し上げます。(Let me carry your luggage.)
- and do not show your appreciation to your superiors by using inappropriate words.
e.g. 先生、授業ご苦労様でした。(Thank you for your lecture.) It sounds fine. However, “ご苦労様です” is the phrase the professor use to you. You cannot use it to your professor.
- talk to your superiors in a way sounds like you are evaluating him/her
e.g. 先生、今日の授業はとても良かったです。(Today’s lecture was excellent.)
- directly ask your superiors’ willing
e.g. 先生、お茶を飲みたいですか？(Do you want some tea?)
The appropriate way to express the above four example could be the following.
- 荷物は私に持たせてください。
- 先生、授業、ありがとうございました。
- 先生、授業、ありがとうございました。
* You can use the same phrase in both situations.
- 先生、お茶はいかがでしょうか？or 先生、お茶をどうぞ。
Enjoy your weekend. See you next time!