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Before asking a question, discussing something, or explaining a situation, use this gentle opening to get the listener ready.

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Lesson notes · ≈ JLPT N4 · Intermediate 2

〜たいことがあるんですが~tai koto ga arun desu ga

gentle topic opener

Use 〜たいことがあるんですが as a gentle opening before asking, discussing something, or explaining what you need.

How it works

  1. Before asking a question, discussing something, or explaining a situation, use this gentle opening to get the listener ready.

    Before asking a question, discussing something, or explaining a situation, use this gentle opening to get the listener ready.

  2. 「相談したいこと」 means something you want to discuss. Introduce the topic first, then explain the details.

    「相談したいこと」 means something you want to discuss. Introduce the topic first, then explain the details.

  3. Replace 「ます」 in 「相談します」 with 「たい」, then add 「ことがあるんですが」.

    Replace 「ます」 in 「相談します」 with 「たい」, then add 「ことがあるんですが」.

  4. Here, the final 「が」 does not express a contrast. It softens the opening and leaves room for the listener to respond.

    Here, the final 「が」 does not express a contrast. It softens the opening and leaves room for the listener to respond.

  5. If you are unsure about the rules for sorting rubbish, you can begin with 「確認したいことがあるんですが」.

    If you are unsure about the rules for sorting rubbish, you can begin with 「確認したいことがあるんですが」.

  6. If the water heater breaks, first explain that you want to contact the landlord. Once the listener understands why you have come, they can help.

If the water heater breaks, first explain that you want to contact the landlord. Once the listener understands why you have come, they can help.

Example sentences

  • ごみ出しごみだしgomidashiのnoルールるーるruuruにniついtsuiてte確認かくにんkakuninしたいことshitaikotoがgaあるaruんnですdesuが。ga。

    There is something I would like to check regarding the trash disposal rules.

  • すみません、sumimasen、少しすこしsukoshi相談そうだんsoudanしたいことshitaikotoがgaあるaruんnですdesuが。ga。

    Excuse me, there is something I would like to discuss with you.

In a conversation

  • A
    すみません、給湯器きゅうとうきの故障こしょうについて大家さんおおやさんに連絡れんらくしたいことがあるんですが。

    A: Excuse me, there is something I would like to contact the landlord about regarding the water heater malfunction.

  • B
    そうですか。大家さんおおやさんの電話でんわ番号ばんごうなら、郵便ゆうびん受けうけの近くちかくに書いかいてありますよ。

    B: I see. As for the landlord's phone number, it's written near the mailbox.

  • A
    ありがとうございます。さっそく電話でんわしてみます。

    A: Thank you. I will call them right away.

Check yourself

  1. Level 1 · Recognise

    Which sentence is correct?

  2. Level 1 · Recognise

    Listen and choose the meaning

  3. Level 2 · Build

    Put the words in order

    I have something I'd like to contact the management company about regarding a problem with the air conditioner.

  4. Level 3 · Use

    What goes in the blank?

    ごみ出しのルールについて確認____。

    I have something I'd like to confirm about the garbage disposal rules.

More grammar in this theme

  • お・ご〜です／でしょうrespectful description or question
  • 〜場合in the case that
  • 〜ないことには〜ないunless, it cannot happen
  • 〜たいことがあるんですがgentle topic opener
  • 意向形＋とするtry or be about to
  • 〜みたいなんですが・〜ようなんですがtentative problem explanation
  • 〜ていただきたいんですがpolite request for help
  • 〜にはrequirements to reach a goal
  • 〜にかかわらずregardless of a condition
  • 〜次第／〜次第でdepending on; as soon as
  • 〜途中で・〜途中にduring a journey or activity
  • 〜を〜としてuse or treat as
  • 〜を背にしてwith something behind you
  • 〜に沿って・〜に沿う・〜に沿ったalong; in accordance with
Previous〜ないことには〜ないNext意向形＋とする

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