Translation guide
Expressing a desire, inclination, or sensation that something is the case. Japanese uses different constructions depending on whether you want to do something, feel a certain way physically/emotionally, or have a hunch.
Expressing a desire or inclination to do an activity.
Attach to the verb stem to express 'want to do'. This is the most direct and common way to say 'feel like doing'.
I feel like watching a movie.
Do you feel like eating something?
Used with nouns or verb stems to mean 'in the mood for'. Often with 〜たい気分 or noun+の気分.
I feel like ramen today.
I feel like taking a walk.
Combines 〜たい with 気分 to emphasize the mood. Slightly more casual.
I feel like going to karaoke.
Describing a physical or emotional feeling, or a vague sense that something is true.
Literally 'I have a feeling like...'. Used for hunches, impressions, or when something seems a certain way.
I feel like it's going to rain.
I feel like he's hiding something.
Shorter version of 〜ような気がする, used directly after a clause. Slightly more casual.
I feel like something good will happen today.
Similar to 気がする but emphasizes a sensory or intuitive feeling. Often used for physical sensations.
I feel like my eyes are tired.
Very casual expressions for wanting to do something, often among friends.
Describing how one's body feels, often in terms of health or condition.
Avoid directly translating 'feel like' as 感じる (kanjiru) for desires. Use 〜たい or 気分 for wanting to do something, and 気がする for impressions.
〜たい is a straightforward desire. 〜気分 adds a nuance of 'mood' or 'in the mood for', often used for food, activities, or when the desire is temporary.