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.
Referring to the worst or most intense part of something like despair, winter, depression, etc.
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.
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.
He fell into the depths of the river.
Specifically refers to the deep sea or ocean depths. More technical or literary than 深み.
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.
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.
The depths of the earth are hot and under high pressure.
Literally 'the very bottom', used for the depths of despair, poverty, or misfortune. Very common and natural.
He was in the depths of despair.
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.
The power went out in the depths of winter.
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.
He reached the depths of sorrow.
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.
The music resonated in the depths of my soul.