Translation guide
The English word "feeling" covers a wide range of meanings, from physical sensations and emotions to intuitive hunches and general atmospheres. Japanese uses different words and expressions depending on the specific nuance. This guide breaks down the most common uses for learners.
A bodily sensation or tactile experience, such as touch, temperature, or pain.
General term for physical sensation or sense perception. Can refer to touch, temperature, pain, etc.
I have a cold feeling in my fingers.
I lost feeling in my leg.
Refers to the feel or texture of something when touched, or the sensation of touch itself.
I like the feeling of this cloth.
A sense of presence or a hint of something, often used for subtle physical awareness like a draft or someone's presence.
I had a feeling that someone was there.
An emotional state or sentiment, such as happiness, sadness, or anger.
The most common and versatile word for feelings or emotions. Can be used for both positive and negative emotions.
His words made me feel better.
It's hard to put feelings into words.
A more formal or analytical term for emotions. Often used in psychological or descriptive contexts.
Refers to one's mood or state of mind at a particular moment. Often used for temporary feelings.
A gut feeling or instinctive sense about something, often without logical proof.
A premonition or hunch about something that might happen. Often used for both positive and negative anticipations.
I have a good feeling about this.
My bad feeling came true.
Intuition or gut feeling, often based on instinct rather than reasoning.
An adverb meaning 'for some reason' or 'just because', often used to express a vague feeling without clear reason.
The overall feeling or vibe of a place, situation, or person.
The atmosphere or mood of a place, situation, or person. Very common in everyday conversation.
This restaurant has a nice feeling, doesn't it?
A casual and versatile word for 'feeling' or 'impression'. Often used in phrases like 〜な感じ (a ~ feeling).
Loanword from English 'mood', used for a specific atmosphere or vibe, often in trendy or romantic contexts.
A personal view or attitude about something, often expressed as 'my feeling is that...'
The capacity to experience emotions deeply or to be considerate of others' feelings.
Sensitivity or sensibility, often used to describe someone's emotional receptiveness or artistic sensitivity.
She has rich feelings (is very sensitive).
To consider others' feelings; to be empathetic.
You should be more considerate of others' feelings.
English often uses 'feeling' as a countable noun (e.g., 'I have mixed feelings'). Japanese rarely uses a single noun in the same way. Instead, use verbs like 感じる (to feel) or phrases like 気持ち (feeling/emotion) with appropriate particles.
I have mixed feelings.
気持ち (kimochi) is the most general and personal word for feelings/emotions. 気分 (kibun) refers to one's mood or physical condition at a moment. 感情 (kanjō) is more formal and analytical, often used for emotions in a psychological sense.
I have a feeling he's lying.
What's that feeling in my chest?
She expressed her feelings through art.
彼は感情を表に出さない。
He doesn't show his feelings.
I'm feeling good today.
I took a walk to change my mood.
直感で決めた。
I decided based on a gut feeling.
I just have a bad feeling about it.
He has a gentle feeling about him.
This room has a calming feeling.
I have a strange feeling.
It's the perfect mood for a date.