Translation guide
To cause someone to notice or remember you, often by being striking, memorable, or effective. Japanese has several ways to express this, depending on whether you want to leave a strong impression, a good impression, or simply be noticed.
To be memorable or striking, often in a positive or neutral sense.
Literally 'remain in one's impression'. This is the most common and natural way to say something or someone made an impression.
彼のスピーチは印象に残った。
His speech made an impression.
The final scene of that movie left a strong impression on me.
Literally 'give an impression'. Often used when someone deliberately tries to make a certain impression.
彼は面接官に良い印象を与えた。
He made a good impression on the interviewer.
To leave a strong impression. More emphatic than 印象に残る.
彼女の歌声は強い印象を残した。
Her singing voice left a strong impression.
To cause someone to think well of you, especially in social or professional settings.
Specifically means to give a favorable impression. Common in business and personal contexts.
初対面で好印象を与えるコツを教えてください。
Please tell me some tips for making a good first impression.
A more general way to say 'give a good impression'. Slightly less formal than 好印象.
笑顔は良い印象を与える。
A smile makes a good impression.
To attract attention or be memorable, sometimes in a showy or deliberate way.
To stand out, be conspicuous. Often used when someone wants to be noticed.
彼はパーティーで目立とうとしていた。
He was trying to make an impression at the party.
To show one's presence, make one's presence felt. Implies a strong, often charismatic impression.
新入社員は初日から存在感を示した。
The new employee made an impression from day one.
To be remembered for a long time.
Literally 'remain in one's heart'. Used for deeply moving or memorable experiences.
その言葉が心に残っている。
Those words made a lasting impression on me.
To remain in one's memory. Slightly more neutral than 心に残る.
あの日の出来事は今でも記憶に残っている。
The events of that day still make an impression on me.
印象に残る is intransitive and describes something that naturally leaves an impression. 印象を与える is transitive and often implies a deliberate action to create an impression.
その景色が印象に残った。
The scenery made an impression (on me).
彼はわざと悪い印象を与えた。
He deliberately made a bad impression.
Avoid directly translating 'make' as 作る (つくる). Phrases like 印象を作る are not natural Japanese. Use the set phrases above.