Translation guide
The English phrase 'strike a chord' means to resonate emotionally, evoke a strong feeling, or remind someone of something. This guide helps learners express this idea naturally in Japanese.
To describe something that deeply moves someone or creates a strong emotional response.
Literally 'resonate in the heart'. This is the most natural and common way to say something strikes a chord emotionally.
彼の言葉が心に響いた。
His words struck a chord with me.
この曲は多くの人の心に響く。
This song strikes a chord with many people.
To say that something seems familiar or brings back a memory.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to ring a bell' or 'to click'. Used when something triggers recognition or a faint memory.
その名前を聞いてピンと来た。
That name struck a chord with me.
心に響く focuses on a personal emotional impact, while 共感を呼ぶ emphasizes that many people feel empathy or connection. Use 心に響く for individual experiences and 共感を呼ぶ for broader social resonance.
あの小説は私の心に響いた。
That novel struck a chord with me personally.
その映画は若者の共感を呼んだ。
That movie struck a chord with young people.
Do not translate 'strike a chord' literally as 和音を打つ or similar. It will not be understood. Use the idiomatic expressions above.
Means 'to evoke empathy/sympathy'. Used when something resonates by making people feel understood or connected.
その映画は多くの共感を呼んだ。
That movie struck a chord with many people.
Means 'to give a deep impression/move someone'. Slightly more formal, often used for art or speeches.
彼のスピーチは聴衆に感動を与えた。
His speech struck a chord with the audience.
His face didn't strike a chord with me.
Means 'to come to mind' or 'to recall'. Used when something makes you remember a specific thing.
その話を聞いて、思い当たることがあった。
Hearing that story, something struck a chord with me.
Literally 'awaken a memory'. More literary and dramatic, used when something powerfully brings back a memory.
その香りが古い記憶を呼び覚ました。
That scent struck a chord and brought back old memories.