GRAMMAR DETAIL
～をほしがる
Expresses the speaker's observation that another person wants a particular object, as shown by that person's behavior or attitude.
Examples
妹は誕生日に小さな時計を欲しがっている。
My younger sister wants a small watch for her birthday.
Words used
子どもは新しい自転車を欲しがっています。
The child wants a new bicycle.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: The desired object takes
を, and欲しがるpresents the wish as observed in someone else. - Basic usage:
子どもは新しい自転車を欲しがっています。reports the child's apparent desire for a new bicycle.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Particles with 欲しい and 欲しがる
自転車が欲しいdirectly expresses wanting a bicycle, while自転車を欲しがっているpresents that desire as apparent. The object's marker changes fromがtoを.
- An object and an action
自転車を欲しがるdescribes wanting an object, while自転車に乗りたがるdescribes wanting to ride. For a desired action, use a verb stem withたがる.