student asking question

Is there any difference between saying "wish for something" and "want something"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

"Wished" is used here because traditionally, when someone blows out birthday candles, they make a "wish". The difference between "wish" and "want" is that "wish" is usually used to describe something that is difficult or impossible to obtain, whereas "want" is usually used to describe something that is possible to obtain. Ex: I wish I could go to the moon. Ex: I wish I could have a million dollars right now. Ex: I want a new pair of shoes. Ex: I want to have noodles for dinner.

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