Translation guide
The English word "impressions" can refer to a wide range of concepts, from initial feelings and opinions to marks left on a surface. This guide focuses on the most common meanings for English-speaking learners of Japanese, organized by practical use.
印象はどうですか？
What is your impression?
第一印象は大切です。
First impressions are important.
Expressing a first impression, a general feeling, or an opinion formed after encountering someone or something.
The most direct and common translation for 'impression' as a feeling or opinion. Used in a wide range of contexts.
第一印象はとても大切です。
First impressions are very important.
彼の印象はどうでしたか？
What was your impression of him?
A more casual way to say 'feeling' or 'impression'. Often used in spoken Japanese.
この部屋の感じが好きです。
I like the feel of this room.
彼は優しい感じがする。
I get the impression that he is kind.
Often used for 'image' or 'impression' in the sense of a mental picture or reputation. Common in business and casual contexts.
この会社のイメージは良いです。
This company has a good image/impression.
どんなイメージを持っていますか？
What kind of impression do you have?
Referring to physical impressions, such as footprints, fingerprints, or dents.
General word for marks, traces, or impressions left behind. Can be used for footprints, scars, etc.
雪に足跡が残っていた。
There were footprints left in the snow.
タイヤの跡が道に付いている。
Tire tracks are left on the road.
A more formal or technical term for traces, vestiges, or impressions. Often used in written or scientific contexts.
Specifically refers to an engraved mark, stamp, or impression made by carving or pressing. Used for seals, stamps, or embossing.
Doing an impression of a famous person or character, often for comedy.
The standard term for mimicry or doing impressions of someone's voice or mannerisms.
彼は有名人の物まねが上手だ。
He is good at doing impressions of celebrities.
A more technical term for vocal mimicry, often used in the context of voice acting or professional impersonation.
Describing the lasting impression or impact something has on you, often emotional or memorable.
A deep impression, often inspiring or moving. Used for profound experiences.
その映画に深い感銘を受けた。
I was deeply impressed by that movie.
Being emotionally moved or touched. Similar to 'impressed' in an emotional sense.
A common phrase meaning 'to leave an impression' or 'to be memorable'.
彼の言葉が強く印象に残っている。
His words left a strong impression on me.
印象 (inshō) is the most direct translation for 'impression' as an opinion or feeling. 感じ (kanji) is more casual and sensory, like 'vibe' or 'feel'. イメージ (imēji) often refers to a mental image or reputation. Choose based on formality and nuance.
第一印象は暗い感じだったけど、話してみると明るいイメージに変わった。
My first impression was a gloomy feeling, but after talking, my image of him changed to a cheerful one.
When referring to mimicking someone, do not use 印象 (inshō). Use 物まね (monomane) instead. Saying 印象をする is incorrect.
彼は社長の物まねをした。
He did an impression of the company president.
犯人の痕跡は見つからなかった。
No traces of the culprit were found.
指輪に刻印がある。
There is an engraving on the ring.
声帯模写の芸人として活躍している。
He is active as a vocal impressionist comedian.
彼の演奏に感動した。
I was moved by his performance.