Translation guide
The English word "sentiment" covers a range of meanings from feelings and emotions to opinions and attitudes. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the best translation depends on whether you are talking about personal feelings, public opinion, or emotional tone.
Expressing an inner feeling, emotion, or heartfelt thought.
The most general word for 'emotion' or 'feeling'. It can be used for both positive and negative sentiments.
彼の言葉は私の感情を傷つけた。
His words hurt my feelings.
A very common, slightly softer word for 'feeling' or 'mood'. Often used in daily conversation.
その知らせを聞いて、複雑な気持ちになった。
Hearing the news, I had mixed feelings.
Refers to one's inner feelings or heart, often used in more introspective or literary contexts.
彼の心情を察するに余りある。
I can more than imagine his feelings.
Can mean 'thoughts', 'feelings', or 'wishes'. Often implies a deeper, lingering sentiment.
彼女への思いを手紙に綴った。
I put my feelings for her into a letter.
Expressing a view, opinion, or stance on a matter.
The standard word for 'opinion'. Use this when 'sentiment' means a personal view.
その問題について、彼は強い意見を持っている。
He holds strong sentiments on the issue.
Means 'thought' or 'idea', often used to express one's sentiment or way of thinking.
A formal term for 'impressions' or 'personal views', often used in business or official contexts.
Referring to the general feeling or attitude of a group or society.
Means 'public opinion'. Use this when 'sentiment' refers to the collective view of the public.
世論はその政策に反対している。
Public sentiment is against the policy.
Literally 'air', but often used to mean the mood or atmosphere of a group. '空気を読む' means to read the room.
A loanword from English 'mood', used for atmosphere or sentiment, especially in social settings.
Describing the emotional quality of something, often with a nuance of nostalgia or tenderness.
Refers to emotion, sentiment, or emotional atmosphere, often with an artistic or nostalgic nuance.
この町には古き良き情緒が残っている。
This town retains a good old-fashioned sentiment.
Means 'emotion' or 'sentiment', often used in artistic or literary contexts to describe deep feeling.
A direct loanword from English, used in specific contexts like market sentiment or literary criticism. Not common in daily speech.
市場のセンチメントは弱気だ。
Market sentiment is bearish.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'sentiment'. Always consider whether you mean a personal feeling, an opinion, or a collective mood, and choose the appropriate word.
Both mean 'feeling', but 感情 is more formal and often refers to emotions in a broader sense, while 気持ち is more casual and personal. 気持ち can also mean 'mood' or 'sensation'.
その詩の情感は美しい。
The sentiment of the poem is beautiful.
それについてのあなたの考えを聞かせてください。
Please tell me your sentiments on that.
After the meeting, I will express my sentiments.
The sentiment in the meeting was heavy.
A festive sentiment is spreading throughout the town.
彼の絵には豊かな情感が込められている。
His paintings are full of rich sentiment.