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'.
映画を見たい。
I feel like watching a movie.
何か食べたい？
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.
今日はラーメンの気分だ。
I feel like ramen today.
散歩したい気分。
I feel like taking a walk.
Combines 〜たい with 気分 to emphasize the mood. Slightly more casual.
カラオケに行きたい気分だ。
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.
雨が降るような気がする。
I feel like it's going to rain.
彼は何か隠しているような気がする。
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.
今日は何かいいことがある気がする。
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.
目が疲れている感じがする。
I feel like my eyes are tired.
Very casual expressions for wanting to do something, often among friends.
Means 'want to try doing'. Implies curiosity or a desire to experience something.
富士山に登ってみたい。
I feel like climbing Mt. Fuji (to see what it's like).
Contraction of 〜てしまいたい, expressing a strong urge to do something, often impulsively. Very casual.
もう全部食べちゃいたい！
I feel like eating it all up!
Describing how one's body feels, often in terms of health or condition.
Used to compare a physical sensation to something else. Casual.
頭がぼーっとするみたいな感じ。
I feel like my head is fuzzy.
Attached to nouns or adjectives to mean '-ish' or 'like'. Can describe a feeling of having symptoms.
風邪っぽい。
I feel like I have a cold.
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.