to want something
to be in need of
Structure
- Noun + が + ほしい
Do not confuse:
ほしくなかった [past negative]
with
ほしくなった → ほしい+なる
So the “wa”-particle is never correct with this one? Even when it’s in a negative sentence?
I don’t think there’s a special rule for は here that would prevent you from using it. If that’s what you want to say, it can indicate contrast, or a minimum amount, or just make the wanted thing the topic, etc.