Phrase in 30 Seconds
Use this when you want something so badly you can almost physically feel yourself reaching for it.
- Means: To desire something with extreme intensity.
- Used in: Shopping, job hunting, or wanting a rare item.
- Don't confuse: It is not about physical hunger, but emotional craving.
Explanation at your level:
Meaning
To strongly desire something, almost to the point of grasping for it.
Cultural Background
Used to show enthusiasm without being overly aggressive. Shows high motivation in interviews.
Use with 'hodo'
Always add 'hodo' to make it sound natural.
Use with 'hodo'
Always add 'hodo' to make it sound natural.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
その時計、＿＿＿＿＿＿ほど欲しい。
The idiom is 'throat to hand'.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
2 exercisesその時計、＿＿＿＿＿＿ほど欲しい。
The idiom is 'throat to hand'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, it is for objects or opportunities.
Related Phrases
垂涎の的
synonymObject of drooling desire.
Where to Use It
Shopping for a rare item
Friend: Look at that limited edition bag!
You: Wow, 喉から手が出るほど欲しい！
Job application
Interviewer: Why do you want this role?
You: このポジションは、喉から手が出るほどやりたい仕事です。
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a hand reaching out of your throat to grab a delicious donut!
Visual Association
A person looking at a shiny watch with a ghostly hand reaching out of their neck to grab it.
Story
Taro saw a rare guitar in a shop window. He wanted it so much he felt a tickle in his throat. He imagined his hand reaching out to grab it. He told the clerk, 'I want this so badly!'
In Other Languages
English: 'To be dying for something.' French: 'En avoir très envie.'
Word Web
Challenge
Write down 3 things you want right now using this phrase.
Review in 1, 3, 7, 14, and 30 days.
Pronunciation
Clear pronunciation of each syllable.
Formality Spectrum
喉から手が出るほど欲しております。 (Expressing desire)
喉から手が出るほど欲しいです。 (Expressing desire)
喉から手が出るほど欲しい！ (Expressing desire)
マジで喉から手が出る！ (Expressing desire)
The phrase originates from the physical sensation of intense craving. It suggests that the desire is so strong it bypasses the brain and manifests as a physical urge to reach out.
Fun Fact
It is one of the most common idioms taught to Japanese children to describe 'wanting' something.
Cultural Notes
Used to show enthusiasm without being overly aggressive.
“喉から手が出るほど欲しいです。”
Shows high motivation in interviews.
“この仕事、喉から手が出るほどやりたいです。”
Conversation Starters
What is something you want right now?
Common Mistakes
喉から手が出るほどお腹が空いた。
とてもお腹が空いた。
L1 Interference
In Other Languages
Deseando con toda mi alma
Japanese is more physical/visceral.
En mourir d'envie
Japanese focuses on the action of grabbing.
Etwas unbedingt haben wollen
Japanese uses a vivid idiom.
喉から手が出る
N/A
أتوق بشدة
Japanese is noun-based imagery.
Spotted in the Real World
“新作のiPhone、喉から手が出るほど欲しい！”
User posting about a new product launch.
Easily Confused
Both involve the throat.
喉が鳴る is for hunger; 喉から手が出る is for general desire.
Frequently Asked Questions (1)
No, it is for objects or opportunities.
usage contexts
