がる

suffix, godan verb (-ru)

show signs of feeling; seem to feel; want to

Attaches to the stem of adjectives (and some nouns) to express that someone appears to feel that way or shows outward signs of that state. Often used for third-person emotions or desires, since Japanese adjectives normally describe the speaker's own feelings.

• 彼かれは新あたらしいおもちゃを欲ほしがっている。

  He is showing signs of wanting the new toy.

• 犬いぬが寒さむがって震ふるえている。

  The dog is shivering, seeming to feel cold.

suffix, godan verb (-ru)

act as if one is; pretend to be; put on airs of

Attaches to adjective stems or nouns to describe someone behaving as if they possess that quality, often with a negative or critical nuance of putting on airs. The cross-reference 得意がる (to act proud) is a typical example.

See also: 得意がる (とくいがる)

• 彼かれは偉えらがって、いつも命めい令れい口く調ちょうだ。

  He acts all high and mighty and always speaks in a commanding tone.

• あの人ひとは金かね持もちがっているけど、本ほん当とうは借しゃっ金きんだらけらしい。

  That person acts like they're rich, but I hear they're actually deep in debt.