Translation and Meaning of: がる - garu

The Japanese word がる [garu] is a versatile suffix that frequently appears in everyday language, but often goes unnoticed by beginner students. Its meaning and usage are related to the expression of feelings or observable behaviors in other people. In this article, we will explore what がる really means, how it is applied in sentences, and why it is so common in informal conversations. Additionally, we will provide practical tips for memorizing its use and avoiding common mistakes.

Meaning and usage of がる in the Japanese language

The suffix がる is added to adjectives or nouns to indicate that someone is displaying a feeling or behavior visibly. For example, 寂しがる (sabishigaru) means "to act as if they are lonely" or "to show signs of loneliness." It is often used to describe the reactions of others, especially children or people whose emotions are more evident.

It is important to note that がる is not used to talk about oneself. If you are hungry, you say お腹が空いた (onaka ga suita), but if you are describing someone else who is hungry, you can say お腹が空いたがっている (onaka ga suita garu). This distinction is essential to avoid grammatical errors and to sound more natural in everyday Japanese.

Origin and grammatical structure of がる

The origin of がる is linked to the verb がる, which used to mean "to show" or "to express." Over time, it became a grammaticalized suffix, losing some of its independent meaning. Today, it mainly connects to adjectives in the い form (like 嬉しい → 嬉しがる) or to some nouns (like 恥ずかしさ → 恥ずかしがる).

From a grammatical point of view, がる transforms the word into a Group 1 (godan) verb, meaning its conjugation follows patterns such as がらない (negative) or がった (past). This regularity makes learning easier, but it's important to practice with real examples to internalize its correct usage.

Tips for memorizing and using がる correctly

An effective way to memorize がる is to associate it with situations where emotions are visible. Think of children who do not hide what they feel: 怖がる (kowagaru – to act with fear) or 嬉しがる (ureshigaru – to show happiness). Animes and dramas often use this structure a lot, making it great for contextual learning.

Another tip is to avoid confusing がる with forms like たがる (which indicates the desires of others). While たがる comes from the verb たい (to want), がる has a broader usage. Practicing with sentences from the Suki Nihongo dictionary, which provides real examples, can help differentiate these cases.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

欲しがる (hoshigaru) - To wish, to want something.
欲しがりたい (hoshigaritai) - To strongly want something.
欲しがっている (hoshigatteiru) - Wanting something at the moment.
欲しがります (hoshigarimasu) - To wish (polite form).

Related words

上がる

agaru

to enter; move up; increase; climb; advance; appreciate; get promoted; to improve; visit; be offered; accumulate; finish; arrive at (expenses); bankrupt; start spinning (cocoons); get caught; get agitated; eat; to drink; to die.

盛り上がる

moriagaru

awaken; swell; rise

召し上がる

meshiagaru

eat

群がる

muragaru

swarm; to gather

跨がる

matagaru

to extend or enter

曲がる

magaru

to turn; to bend

塞がる

fusagaru

To be connected; to be silent

広がる

hirogaru

to spread (to extend; to stretch; to reach)

出来上がる

dekiagaru

be completed; To be ready; by definition; be very drunk

繋がる

tsunagaru

to be linked; to be connected to; to be related to

がる

Romaji: garu
Kana: がる
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: feel

Meaning in English: feel

Definition: There are many things and things. It is thought to be desired.

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How to Write in Japanese - (がる) garu

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (がる) garu:

Example Sentences - (がる) garu

See below some example sentences:

川を跨がる

Kawa wo matagaru

It means "to cross a river".

crossing the river

川 - river
を - object particle
跨がる - cross, go over

人々が祭りの会場に群がる。

Hitobito ga matsuri no kaijou ni muragaru

People gather at the party venue.

People gather to the festival site.

人々 - people
が - Subject particle
祭り - festival
の - Possessive particle
会場 - Event location
に - Destination particle
群がる - Crowding, gathering in large numbers

カーブを曲がる前には注意が必要です。

Kābu wo magaru mae ni wa chūi ga hitsuyō desu

Before making a turn

Be careful before turning the curve.

カーブ - curve
を - object particle
曲がる - turn, fold
前に - before
は - Topic particle
注意が必要です - It is necessary to be careful.

土俵に上がる

dobyo ni agaru

climb into the sumo ring.

go to the ring

土俵 - "sumo ring" means a circular arena where sumo wrestlers compete.
に - a particle that indicates the location where the action takes place.
上がる - a verb that means "to ascend" or "to get on top of something". In this context, it means "to enter the sumo ring".

道は左に曲がる。

Michi wa hidari ni magaru

The road turns left.

道 - means "path" in Japanese
は - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
左 - means "left" in Japanese
に - is a grammatical particle that indicates the direction or location
曲がる - means "turn" or "fold" in Japanese

転がる石に苔むさず

korogaru ishi ni koke musazu

A rolling stone gathers in the moss.

Doesn't move in Rolling Stones

転がる - bearing
石 - stone
に - particle indicating target or direction
苔むさず - sem musgo

私たちは階段を上がる。

Watashitachi wa kaidan wo agaru

We are going up the stairs.

We go upstairs.

私たちは - 私たち
階段を - "escada" in Japanese, followed by the particle "wo" indicating the direct object of the action
上がる - "subir" in Japanese, indicating the action being performed

東西に広がる景色は美しいです。

Tōzai ni hirogaru keshiki wa utsukushii desu

The landscape that extends from east to west is beautiful.

The scenario that spreads the east and west is beautiful.