Translation guide
The English phrase 'be affected' describes being influenced or impacted by something, often in a negative or emotional way. In Japanese, the expression depends on whether the effect is emotional, physical, or situational, and whether it is negative or neutral. Common translations include 影響を受ける (eikyō o ukeru) for general influence, 心を動かされる (kokoro o ugokasareru) for emotional impact, and 被害を受ける (higai o ukeru) for suffering damage. The passive voice is often used, but not always.
To express that someone or something is influenced or impacted by an external factor, without specifying whether it is positive or negative.
The most common and neutral way to say 'be affected' in the sense of being influenced. Can be used for people, things, or situations.
彼の決断は天候に影響を受けた。
His decision was affected by the weather.
景気は国際情勢に影響を受ける。
The economy is affected by international affairs.
Literally 'be swayed left and right', meaning to be strongly influenced or controlled by something. Often used in formal or written contexts.
株価は投資家の心理に左右される。
Stock prices are affected by investor sentiment.
Used in scientific or technical contexts to mean 'be acted upon' or 'be affected by a force or agent'.
物体は重力の作用を受ける。
Objects are affected by gravity.
To express that someone is emotionally moved, touched, or disturbed by something.
Means 'to be emotionally moved' or 'touched'. Implies a deep emotional response, often positive.
彼女のスピーチに心を動かされた。
I was affected by her speech.
To be deeply moved or impressed. Often used for positive emotional experiences like art or acts of kindness.
その映画に感動した。
I was affected by the movie.
To be shocked or emotionally affected in a negative way. Commonly used for sudden bad news.
彼の死の知らせにショックを受けた。
I was affected by the news of his death.
To express that someone or something has been harmed, damaged, or negatively impacted, often by a disaster or disease.
Specifically means 'to suffer damage' or 'be harmed'. Used for natural disasters, accidents, or crimes.
その地域は洪水の被害を受けた。
The area was affected by the flood.
To be negatively affected or influenced. Emphasizes the bad effect.
子供は暴力シーンに悪影響を受ける。
Children are affected by violent scenes.
Specifically means 'to be affected by a disaster' (earthquake, typhoon, etc.). Used in news reports.
多くの家庭が地震で被災した。
Many households were affected by the earthquake.
To express that a person's body or health is impacted by something, such as a condition or substance.
Literally 'an effect appears', used when a physical or health effect manifests. Often used with body parts or symptoms.
睡眠不足で体に影響が出た。
My body was affected by lack of sleep.
To have a reaction (e.g., allergic reaction). Used when the body reacts to something.
薬で肌に反応が出た。
My skin was affected by the medicine.
Do not directly translate 'be affected' as '影響される' (eikyou sareru) in most cases. While grammatically possible, it is less natural than '影響を受ける' (eikyou o ukeru). The passive form '影響される' can sound like a direct translation from English.
Both mean 'be influenced', but 左右される (sayuu sareru) implies a stronger, often uncontrollable influence that can sway decisions or outcomes. 影響を受ける is more general and neutral.