How to say "want" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 求めるもとめるichidan verb, transitive verbA verb for wanting something actively, with the feel of seeking or asking for it. Fits when someone wants help, information, or something they do not yet have.
- 望むのぞむgodan verb, transitive verbCovers wanting in the sense of wishing or hoping for something, especially a future state or outcome. Use it when the emphasis is on desire directed at what one hopes will come about.
- 欲するほっするsuru verb (irregular), transitive verbA verb that expresses wanting or desiring something directly — it names the desire itself rather than the act of pursuing it. Use it where English would simply say 'desire'.
- 欲求よっきゅうnoun, suru verb, transitive verbA noun, not a verb: it is for 'want' as a thing a person has — a desire or wish. Suits talk of people's wants and desires as things in their own right.
- 貧ひんnounMatches only the noun sense of 'want' meaning poverty or need — lacking the necessities of life. It is not how you say you want something, so it is seldom the word you want here.
Use 「求める」 for actively seeking or asking for something, 「望む」 for wishing or hoping for an outcome, 「欲する」 to state desire, the noun 欲求 for a want as a thing, and 貧 only for want as poverty.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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