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.
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.