хотеть vs хотеться

khotét' vs khotét'sya — to want something vs to feel like doing something

What it really means

"Хотеть" means to want and names the person who has the desire as the subject: "Я хочу чай" (I want tea). "Хотеться" is reflexive and impersonal, closer to "feel like" or "be in the mood for." The person who feels the desire goes in the dative: "Мне хочется чая" (I feel like some tea).

Хотеться is especially natural for a temporary urge, while хотеть can express a clear intention, preference, or wish. With an infinitive, both are possible: "Я хочу спать" is a direct desire; "Мне хочется спать" focuses on how sleepy or inclined I feel.

Examples in natural speech

Я хочу кофе.
I want coffee.
Мне хочется кофе.
I feel like having coffee.
Она хочет поехать домой.
She wants to go home.
Мне не хочется выходить.
I do not feel like going out.
Хочешь мороженого?
Do you want some ice cream?

Common mistakes

Do not say "я хочется." Хотеться is impersonal, so use the dative: "мне хочется," "тебе хочется," or "ему хочется." Use хотеть when the person is the subject: "Я хочу."

Memory tip

"Я хочу" states my want; "мне хочется" describes a feeling that has come over me.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between хотеть and хотеться in Russian?

"Хотеть" means to want and uses the person as subject: я хочу. "Хотеться" means to feel like or be in the mood for something and uses the dative: мне хочется.

How do you say I feel like it in Russian?

Use "Мне хочется" plus the thing or action: "Мне хочется чая" means "I feel like tea," and "Мне хочется гулять" means "I feel like taking a walk."

Why does Russian say мне хочется?

Хотеться is an impersonal construction. The person who experiences the desire is in the dative: мне (to me), тебе (to you), ему (to him).

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