Translation guide
The English word 'desiring' expresses a wish or want for something. In Japanese, the most natural way to express this depends on what is desired (an object, an action, or an outcome) and the level of formality. This guide covers common patterns for expressing desire in Japanese.
Expressing a desire for a thing or person.
The most common way to say 'I want N'. The thing desired is marked with が. Used for nouns.
新しい車がほしい。
I want a new car.
もっと自由な時間がほしい。
I want more free time.
Used to describe someone else's desire for an object. The がる suffix indicates observable signs of wanting. Do not use ほしい directly for others.
Using ほしい for others (e.g., 彼は車がほしい) can sound presumptuous or unnatural. Use ほしがっている instead.
彼は新しいスマホをほしがっている。
He wants a new smartphone.
A formal, literary verb meaning 'to desire'. Rare in everyday speech.
彼は権力を欲している。
He desires power.
Expressing a desire to perform an action.
The standard way to say 'I want to do V'. Attach たい to the verb stem. The object can be marked with が or を.
Used to describe someone else's desire to do something. The がる suffix is added to the たい form.
Using たい directly for others (e.g., 彼は行きたい) can sound presumptuous. Use たがっている instead.
彼女は海外で働きたがっている。
She wants to work abroad.
A slightly softer, more indirect way to express a desire. Often used to sound less assertive.
来年は留学したいと思います。
I think I'd like to study abroad next year.
Expressing a desire for another person to perform an action.
Used to say 'I want someone to do V'. The person you want to do the action is marked with に.
彼に手伝ってほしい。
I want him to help me.
先生に説明してほしい。
I want the teacher to explain.
A more polite and indirect way to express 'I want someone to do V'. Implies receiving a favor.
この書類をチェックしてもらいたいんですが。
I'd like you to check these documents.
Expressing a deep or intense wish.
To long for, admire, or yearn for something ideal or out of reach. Often used for aspirations.
都会の生活に憧れている。
I long for city life.
To earnestly desire; a formal and strong expression.
平和を切望する。
I earnestly desire peace.
English often uses 'desiring' as a noun or gerund (e.g., 'Desiring something is natural'). Japanese does not have a direct equivalent. Instead, rephrase using patterns like ほしいと思うこと or 欲求.
何かをほしいと思うことは自然だ。
Desiring something is natural.
Use ほしい for wanting objects (nouns). Use たい for wanting to do actions (verbs). Confusing them is a common mistake.