がる (To feel)

To feel, To think, To act as if, To want, To desire

JLPT N4
Pattern

Adjective stem + がる

How it works

がる describes another person's feelings as they appear from outside: さびしがる (seems lonely), こわがる (is scared). Japanese usually avoids stating others' feelings directly, so がる is used instead of さびしい.

Examples

  • 子どもが 犬を こわがって います。The child is scared of the dog.
  • 妹は 新しい ゲームを ほしがって います。My sister wants the new game.

Related grammar

Further reading

Bunpro N4 · Lesson 3

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