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    聞きたいことがあるんだ (kikitai koto ga aru n da) - There's something I want to ask.

    Grammar & Usage

    fixed expression
    casual

    How it works

    This phrase combines the desiderative form of a verb (-tai), the noun 'koto' (thing/matter), the particle 'ga' (subject marker), 'aru' (to exist/have), and the explanatory/emphasis particle 'n da'. It literally means 'a thing I want to ask exists' or 'it is that there is a thing I want to ask'.

    Sample sentences

    ねえ、聞きたいことがあるんだけど、今ちょっと時間ある？

    Hey, there's something I want to ask you, do you have a little time now?

    昨日からずっと、聞きたいことがあるんだ。

    Since yesterday, there's something I've been wanting to ask.

    先生、レポートについて聞きたいことがあるんですが。

    Teacher, there's something I'd like to ask you about the report.

    Quick facts

    politeness:Casual. The 'n da' ending softens the statement and adds a nuance of explanation or seeking understanding. For a more formal context, one might say '聞きたいことがございます' or 'お伺いしたいことがあります'.
    n_da_particle:The 'n da' (or 'no da') ending functions to explain, provide context, or seek confirmation/agreement. It makes the statement sound less abrupt.
    usage_context:Often used to preface a question, especially when the question might be personal, a request, or slightly sensitive, giving the listener a heads-up that something is coming.

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    ねえ、聞きたいことがあるんだけど、今ちょっと時間ある？

    Hey, there's something I want to ask you, do you have a little time now?

    昨日からずっと、聞きたいことがあるんだ。

    Since yesterday, there's something I've been wanting to ask.

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