Translation guide
To feel admiration, respect, or a strong positive reaction to something or someone. Japanese uses different expressions depending on whether the feeling is deep admiration, being moved emotionally, or simply thinking something is amazing.
Expressing that someone or something has earned your respect or admiration through their qualities or achievements.
Used when you admire someone's skill, effort, or character. Often implies a sense of being impressed by something praiseworthy.
I was impressed by his effort.
I was impressed by the child's politeness.
Stronger than 感心する, implies deep admiration or being in awe. Often used in formal contexts.
I was deeply impressed by the depth of his knowledge.
Admiration mixed with respect, often for someone's character or conduct. Formal and somewhat literary.
I am impressed by his sincerity.
Expressing that something has deeply moved you emotionally, often in a heartwarming or awe-inspiring way.
The most common way to say you are moved or touched by something, such as a story, performance, or act of kindness.
I was impressed/moved by that movie.
I was so moved by his speech that I cried.
Literally 'one's heart is struck', meaning deeply impressed or touched. More emotional and literary than 感動する.
I was deeply impressed by his kindness.
Expressing that you find something impressive in a more casual, often visual or skill-based way.
Very common casual word meaning 'amazing' or 'incredible'. Can be used for almost anything impressive.
That magic trick is impressive!
His English is impressive, isn't it?
Literally 'I think it's amazing'. A slightly more explicit way to express being impressed.
I think her talent is impressive.
Formal expression meaning to be deeply impressed, often by words or ideas. Used in speeches or writing.
I was deeply impressed by his words.
Expressing that a sight, place, or experience left a strong impression on you.
Means 'to leave an impression'. Often used when something is memorable or striking.
That scenery really impressed me (left an impression).
Means to be overwhelmed or awed by something grand or powerful. Often used for scale or intensity.
I was impressed/overwhelmed by the size of the building.
感動する is for emotional impact (movies, stories, kindness), while 感心する is for admiration of skill, effort, or character. Using 感動する for someone's work skill might sound overly emotional.
I was moved by his presentation (emotional content).
I was impressed by his presentation (skill, preparation).
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all uses of 'impressed'. Avoid directly translating 'I am impressed' as 私は感動している in casual conversation; it can sound stiff. Use context-appropriate expressions.