Japanese by Example
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Want to say or do something with 〜たい＋ことがある

Grammar: Hope » 〜たい＋ことがある

〜たい＋ことがある expresses that there is some specific thing the speaker wants to do, say, ask, or talk about.

It is often closer to “I have something I want to…” than “I sometimes want to…”.

Usage

This pattern is common when introducing a topic or bringing something up: for example, 言(い)いたいことがある, 聞(き)きたいことがある, or 話(はな)したいことがある.

Formation

こと nominalizes the idea of the verb phrase before it, and が＋ある presents that "thing" as something that exists.
  1. Verb (たい form) + ことがある
    • 先生(せんせい)に聞(き)きたいことがある
    • "I have something I want to ask the teacher."
  2. Verb (たい form) + ことがあるんだ(けど)…
    • ちょっと言(い)いたいことがあるんだけど…
    • "I have something I want to say, but…"
  3. Common set phrases
    • 言(い)いたいことがある／聞(き)きたいことがある／話(はな)したいことがある
    • "I have something I want to say / ask / talk about."
In conversation, this often acts as a lead-in before stating what the speaker wants to say or do.

Related Grammar

Examples

Want to ask a favor with 〜たい＋ことがある

Manga panel from しろくまカフェ bis showing example of Want to say or do something with 〜たい＋ことがある.
しろくまカフェ bis » Volume 2 » Page 112

Grizzy is deep into his winter hibernation when his phone starts ringing. He answers, knowing only Polar Bear would be calling him during hibernation.

シロクマ:
「グリズリーくんに頼(との)みたいことがあるんだけど」
“Grizzly-kun, I want a favor from you.”
「まだねてるの？」
“Are you still sleeping?”
グリズリー:
「今(いま)　何月(なんがつ)だよ？」
“What month is it now?”

Want to say something with 〜たい＋ことがある

Manga panel from 俺物語!! showing example of Want to say or do something with 〜たい＋ことがある.
俺物語!! » Volume 9 » Page 117

Ichinose normally shuns his inferior co-workers. When Rinko starts working at the confectionery, she unknowningly becomes Ichinose’s muse. Even after learning of her boyfriend, Ichinose still convinces Rinko to spend long hours helping him prepare for an upcoming competition. He plans to confess his feelings to Rinko after he wins the competition.

一之瀬(いちのせ):
「コンクールが終(お)わったら言(い)いたいことがある…」
“Once the competition has ended, I wantto say something.”