Translation guide
The English word "depths" can refer to physical deep places, the most intense part of an experience, or hidden inner aspects. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to the deep part of the ocean, a lake, a forest, etc.
A common word for a deep place in water or a physical space. Often used for the deep part of a river, lake, or ocean.
彼は川の深みに落ちた。
He fell into the depths of the river.
Specifically refers to the deep sea or ocean depths. More technical or literary than 深み.
深海には奇妙な生物がいる。
Strange creatures live in the depths of the ocean.
Means 'deep inside' a physical space like a forest or cave. Often used as an adverb.
森の奥深くに古い神社がある。
There is an old shrine in the depths of the forest.
A somewhat technical term for the deep part of something, like the earth's depths or a mine.
地球の深部は高温高圧だ。
The depths of the earth are hot and under high pressure.
Referring to the worst or most intense part of something like despair, winter, depression, etc.
Literally 'the very bottom', used for the depths of despair, poverty, or misfortune. Very common and natural.
彼は絶望のどん底にいた。
He was in the depths of despair.
不況で生活はどん底だ。
Life is at its depths because of the recession.
Means 'in the midst of' or 'in the thick of'. Used for being in the depths of a period or activity, like winter or a crisis.
A literary word meaning 'the extreme' or 'the height of'. Can be used for the depths of sorrow or joy, but sounds formal or poetic.
Referring to the depths of one's heart, soul, or mind.
A very common phrase meaning 'the depths of one's heart'. Used for hidden feelings or true nature.
心の奥底では彼を許していた。
In the depths of her heart, she had forgiven him.
Literally 'the depths of the soul'. More poetic and less common than 心の奥底.
その音楽は魂の深みに響いた。
The music resonated in the depths of my soul.
A psychological term meaning 'the depths of the psyche' or 'the subconscious'. Used in technical or analytical contexts.
深層心理を探る。
Explore the depths of the psyche.
The word 深さ (fukasa) means 'depth' as a measurable dimension, not 'the depths' as a place or state. Saying 絶望の深さ sounds unnatural; use どん底 instead.
真冬の真っ只中に停電した。
The power went out in the depths of winter.
悲しみの極みに達した。
He reached the depths of sorrow.