I have my own perception about differences of 'Want' and 'Wish'. Because when people talk about wishes, they're actually not wanting it but wishing it.
'Want' (to want) is a verb that defines a state where a subject expects for something that usually happen in a short temp. When someone 'wants' something, he usually finds any way to get it as soon as possible. As soon as he gets what he wants, he will leave it.
For example :
- "I wanna go home.."
- "I wanna go to the restroom.."
- "I want candy.."
- "I want my Dad now!"
Explanation :
- The first sentence is "I wanna go home.." which describes the situation where the subject wants to be home. He will find his way home and as soon as he comes home, does he still want to go home? I don't think so. He's already home, isn't he?
- The second sentence is "I wanna go to the restroom". Let's say that the subject wants to pee. As soon as he finishes it, does he still want to pee? He gotta check his bladder, for sure.
- "I want candy" like children used to say. The children may ask for more but after they feel enough, do they still want to eat more? Instead they should see the dentist (LOL)
- The last sentence simply describes me. As soon as I meet my dad, nothing to worry for more.
'Wish' (to wish) is a word defines a state where a subject actually wants something but it happens for a long temp. In other word we can call it 'hope'. Even though the subject doesn't think about it, but he still wants it. Just like the ideas when we were children. "I wanna be a super star" and "I wish I can be a superstar". The first statement shows the subject wants to be a superstar in a short time (maybe tomorrow or as soon as possible), whereas the second statement shows the subject wants to be a superstar someday (not that fast).
For example :
- "I wish I can afford my own house.."
- "I wish I can play drum.."
- "I wish the concert will be great.."
- "I wish the movie won't be that damn boring.."
Explanation :
- The first sentence describes a statement that the subject wants to afford his own house. He may not want it right on that moment but he wishes that someday he can afford it.
- The second sentence tells someone's dream. 'Wish' is better than 'Want' to be called or considered as 'Prayer'
- The third sentence can be considered also as an 'expectation'. But sometimes, the expectation shows an ambition or obsession that is 'too high to be reached' or 'too hard to be climbed'. The subject may wish for something too obsessive. He may not watch a great concert like his wish.
- The fourth is similar to the third sentence.
Most of what's on my mind are 'wants' not 'wishes'. I want a new phone, I want a Macbook, I want a pony, I want my Hyundai Atoz, or anything. 'Wants' can be got by easier way than 'wishes', whereas the way to reach and get the wishes are not as easy as 'wants'. 'Wishes' can be reached by hardworks, great efforts, self-trusting, and prayers. 'Wishes' are dreams to be realized. We can't reach the wishes instantly, it needs process. I used to want, not to wish. I have no wishes actually because I want my wishes right now (read: instantly appears). And great results are made from hardworks that took longer time.
A new lesson for me : Start wishing, not just wanting.
