BackGrammar JLPT Level N4 - Lesson 9
Structure of たがる:
Verb［たい］+ がる
Details about たがる:
As we explored in our lesson about がる, this verb can be used with adjectives, to express the way in which people are acting. However, it can also be partnered with the auxiliary verb たい, to form たがる. This grammar construction is used when expressing that someone is acting like they 'want' to do something.
To use this structure, attach たい to the ます stem form of any verb, then replace the い in たい with がる.
To use this structure, attach たい to the ます stem form of any verb, then replace the い in たい with がる.
- ジョンはなんでいつも悪口を言いたがるんだろう。I wonder why John always wants to talk badly about people.
- 皆は彼が作ったケーキを食べたがる。Everyone always wants to eat the cakes that he makes.
たがる
Usage Notes for たがる:
たがる is in contrast to てほしい which means 'to want someone to do (A)'. These differences will need to be practiced, and memorized.
- 彼はこのステーキを食べたがる。He will want to eat this steak. (He will act like he wants to)
- 彼にこのステーキを食べてほしい。I want him to eat this steak. (I want him to)
- 田中君は新しいゲームを見つけると、そのゲームをほしがる。When Tanaka-kun sees a new game, he always wants it.
Synonyms for たがる:
たい
Want to do
がほしい
To want something, To be in need of
てほしい
I want you to
がる
To feel, To think, To act as if, To want, To desire
Example of たがる
彼は動物園に行きたがる。
He is acting like he wants to go to the zoo.
娘はいつもスポーツをしたがる。
My daughter always wants to play sports.
彼女は最近の映画を見たがる。
My girlfriend wants to see a recently released movie.
あの子帰りたがるならいいんじゃない？
If that kid wants to go home, that's alright, isn't it?
彼はパソコンを買いたがって、週末も働いた。
He wanted to buy a PC, so (and) he even worked weekends.
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