欲する
hossuru[ho̞sːɨɾɯ̟]
The Japanese phrase for 'desire' (verb) is 欲する (hossuru). Wiktionary also lists 求める (motomeru).
Meaning: want emotionally or sexually (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 欲する | hossuru | [ho̞sːɨɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 求める | motomeru | [mo̞to̞me̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
The verb 欲する is used to express wanting something through emotional or sexual desire. When referring to the feeling of desire itself, the noun 欲望 is used to describe intense, often uncontrollable human desires or lusts. Other related nouns include 願望 and 大願 or 宿願, which refer to something that is wished for.
Which one should you use?
While 欲する focuses on primal or emotional craving, 求める is used when the meaning is more about seeking, requesting or pursuing a person or a goal.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
hossuru
Did you know?
- The word 欲する is a 'calque' of a Classical Chinese word, meaning its conceptual usage was intentionally modeled after Chinese to include the sense of 'attempting to' do something.
- Japanese has a specific word 宿願 for a 'long-cherished desire' that has been held since a previous state of being or for a very long time.
- The word 欲する is a more formal and literary way to express desire compared to the everyday verb 欲しい (hoshii).
Examples in context
- 目的を欲するDesire one's goalThis sentence is useful for showing how to use 欲する to express desiring a goal.
- 彼は強烈な愛を欲する。Kare wa kyōretsu na ai o hosuru.He desires an intense love.
Example conversation
Misaki and Yota are discussing their deep emotional needs.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太は、本当は何を欲するの？Yōta wa, hontō ni nani o hossuru no?Yota, what do you truly desire?
- 陽太 Yota心から信頼できる関係を欲しているよ。Kokoro kara shinrai dekiru kankei o hosshte iru yo.I desire a relationship I can trust from the bottom of my heart.
- 美咲 Misakiそれはとても大切なことね。Sore wa totemo taisetsu na koto ne.That is very important.
- 陽太 Yota美咲はどうかな？Misaki wa dō kana?How about you, Misaki?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “desire” translations and entries 欲する, 求める, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 欲する, 求める, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
