"I hope" vs "I want"

Question

One says from bottom of his heart,

I don't want him to be humiliated because of me.
I hope that he will not be humiliated because of me.

Until this day, I thought "I don't want" makes more sense, because it shows a more stronger will.

But I then I was told it sounds more native to say "I hope"... Now I'm confused...

[correction: until today, not this day]
– Lambie
Dec 30, 2018 at 22:05 — Lambie, Dec 30, 2018 at 22:05

user109564user109564 · Accepted Answer · 2018-12-30 21:36:46Z

1

I would use either as a native speaker and both are acceptable.

I hope describes it more as a desirable action rather than as a necessity.

It’s kind of like you hope he won’t be humiliated but you are not taking any action to prevent it.

I don’t want implies you are actively taking steps to prevent and stop the humiliation and it has more meaning to you than if you say I hope.

answered Dec 30, 2018 at 21:36

user109564

+1 for noting that hoping implies you don't intend to take action for this, like just crossing your fingers. I don't want shows that you are actively opposed and might take action
– Manuki
Jan 17, 2019 at 12:42

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Tashus · Accepted Answer · 2019-01-02 19:37:42Z

"I hope" implies that whatever follows is desirable.

"I don't want" simply implies that whatever follows is not desired, but that does not necessarily mean that the opposite is desired.

For example,

I don't want him to be humiliated because of me, but I am obligated to report the incident.

Here the speaker is emphasizing that the other person's humiliation is not their goal but may be a consequence of their actions nonetheless.

2 Answers 2