Translation guide
The English word "sensation" covers physical feelings, emotional excitement, and notable people or events. Japanese uses different words for each meaning.
A feeling or perception detected by the body or senses.
A widespread feeling of excitement, interest, or shock among people.
A person or thing that attracts great attention and admiration.
Literally 'person of topic', used for someone who is currently the talk of the town or a trending figure.
彼は今、町の話題の人だ。
He's the sensation of the town right now.
感覚 (kankaku) only refers to physical sensations. For a public stir or excitement, use センセーション or 大反響.
そのニュースは大きなセンセーションを巻き起こした。
The news caused a huge sensation.
感覚 is a broader term for any physical sensation, including internal feelings like dizziness. 感触 specifically refers to the tactile feel of touching something, like texture.
目を閉じると、バランスの感覚がおかしくなる。
When I close my eyes, my sense of balance feels off.
General term for physical sensation or sense perception. Used for both external stimuli and internal bodily feelings.
指先の感覚がなくなった。
I lost sensation in my fingertips.
冷たい感覚が足を包んだ。
A cold sensation enveloped my feet.
Tactile sensation or feel of something, often used for texture or touch.
この布の感触が好きだ。
I like the sensation of this fabric.
Perception or sensory awareness, more formal and often used in medical or psychological contexts.
患者は痛みの知覚を訴えた。
The patient complained of a sensation of pain.
Loanword from English, used for a big stir or sensation in media, entertainment, or public events.
彼の新曲は世界中でセンセーションを巻き起こした。
His new song caused a sensation around the world.
Literally 'big response/reaction', used when something generates a huge public reaction or buzz.
その発表は大反響を呼んだ。
The announcement caused a sensation.
Idiom meaning 'to steal the spotlight/topic', often used when something becomes the talk of the town.
彼女のドレスがパーティーの話題をさらった。
Her dress was the sensation of the party.
Uproar or commotion, can be used for a sensation that causes a stir, but often implies noise or disorder.
ちょっとした騒ぎになった。
It became a bit of a sensation.
Literally 'person of the time', used for someone who is currently famous or in the spotlight.
彼女は一躍時の人になった。
She became an overnight sensation.
Direct translation of 'sensational figure', but sounds a bit stiff. Used in media contexts.
彼は音楽界のセンセーショナルな存在だ。
He is a sensation in the music world.
このソファの感触は最高だ。
The sensation of this sofa is amazing.
このソファの感触は最高だ。
The sensation of this sofa is amazing.