Translation guide
The English word "feeling" covers a wide range of meanings, from physical sensations and emotions to intuitive hunches and general atmospheres. Japanese uses different words and expressions depending on the specific nuance. This guide breaks down the most common uses for learners.
A bodily sensation or tactile experience, such as touch, temperature, or pain.
General term for physical sensation or sense perception. Can refer to touch, temperature, pain, etc.
指に冷たい感覚がある。
I have a cold feeling in my fingers.
足の感覚がなくなった。
I lost feeling in my leg.
Refers to the feel or texture of something when touched, or the sensation of touch itself.
この布の感触が好きだ。
I like the feeling of this cloth.
A sense of presence or a hint of something, often used for subtle physical awareness like a draft or someone's presence.
誰かの気配を感じた。
I had a feeling that someone was there.
An emotional state or sentiment, such as happiness, sadness, or anger.
The most common and versatile word for feelings or emotions. Can be used for both positive and negative emotions.
彼の言葉で気持ちが楽になった。
His words made me feel better.
気持ちを言葉で表すのは難しい。
It's hard to put feelings into words.
A more formal or analytical term for emotions. Often used in psychological or descriptive contexts.
Refers to one's mood or state of mind at a particular moment. Often used for temporary feelings.
A gut feeling or instinctive sense about something, often without logical proof.
A premonition or hunch about something that might happen. Often used for both positive and negative anticipations.
いい予感がする。
I have a good feeling about this.
嫌な予感が当たった。
My bad feeling came true.
Intuition or gut feeling, often based on instinct rather than reasoning.
An adverb meaning 'for some reason' or 'just because', often used to express a vague feeling without clear reason.
The overall feeling or vibe of a place, situation, or person.
The atmosphere or mood of a place, situation, or person. Very common in everyday conversation.
この店はいい雰囲気だね。
This restaurant has a nice feeling, doesn't it?
彼は優しい雰囲気の人だ。
He has a gentle feeling about him.
A casual and versatile word for 'feeling' or 'impression'. Often used in phrases like 〜な感じ (a ~ feeling).
Loanword from English 'mood', used for a specific atmosphere or vibe, often in trendy or romantic contexts.
デートにぴったりのムードだ。
It's the perfect mood for a date.
A personal view or attitude about something, often expressed as 'my feeling is that...'
The most common way to express a personal feeling or opinion. Literally 'I think that...'
それはいい考えだと思う。
My feeling is that it's a good idea.
A softer, more intuitive way to express a feeling or opinion. 'I have a feeling that...'
彼は来ないような気がする。
I have a feeling he won't come.
The capacity to experience emotions deeply or to be considerate of others' feelings.
Sensitivity or sensibility, often used to describe someone's emotional receptiveness or artistic sensitivity.
彼女は感受性が豊かだ。
She has rich feelings (is very sensitive).
To consider others' feelings; to be empathetic.
もっと人の気持ちを考えなさい。
You should be more considerate of others' feelings.
English often uses 'feeling' as a countable noun (e.g., 'I have mixed feelings'). Japanese rarely uses a single noun in the same way. Instead, use verbs like 感じる (to feel) or phrases like 気持ち (feeling/emotion) with appropriate particles.
複雑な気持ちです。
I have mixed feelings.
気持ち (kimochi) is the most general and personal word for feelings/emotions. 気分 (kibun) refers to one's mood or physical condition at a moment. 感情 (kanjō) is more formal and analytical, often used for emotions in a psychological sense.
彼は嘘をついているような気がする。
I have a feeling he's lying.
胸のこの感じは何だろう？
What's that feeling in my chest?
彼女は芸術を通して感情を表現した。
She expressed her feelings through art.
彼は感情を表に出さない。
He doesn't show his feelings.
I'm feeling good today.
気分を変えるために散歩した。
I took a walk to change my mood.
直感で決めた。
I decided based on a gut feeling.
なんとなく嫌な感じがする。
I just have a bad feeling about it.
This room has a calming feeling.
変な感じがする。
I have a strange feeling.