Translation guide
The English word 'feelings' covers emotions, moods, physical sensations, and opinions. In Japanese, different words and expressions are used depending on the context. This guide helps you choose the most natural Japanese equivalent.
Referring to one's inner emotional experience, such as happiness, sadness, anger, etc.
I hurt his feelings.
Please tell me how you feel right now.
A more formal or analytical term for 'emotions'. Often used in psychological or literary contexts.
It's not good to suppress your feelings.
Refers to deep feelings, thoughts, or wishes, often with a poetic or heartfelt nuance.
I conveyed my feelings for her.
Describing what you feel physically, such as pain, comfort, temperature, etc.
Used for physical sensations or impressions. Often combined with an adjective or noun.
I have a strange feeling.
A painful feeling continues.
Also used for physical comfort or discomfort, especially when it affects your mood.
More technical term for 'sensation' or 'sense'. Used in medical or precise contexts.
Expressing what you think or how you feel about a situation, idea, or proposal.
Can also mean one's opinion or stance, especially in phrases like 'my feelings on the matter'.
As for my feelings, I'm in favor.
Literally 'thoughts', but often used where English would say 'feelings' about an issue.
Directly means 'opinion', but can be used when 'feelings' implies a viewpoint.
Specifically referring to love or romantic interest.
Commonly used to confess or discuss romantic feelings.
I want to tell you my feelings.
Specifically means 'romantic feelings' or 'love'.
Means 'affection' or 'love', often used for deep, caring feelings.
Being mindful of how others feel, or not wanting to hurt them.
Expressing that you have conflicting or complicated emotions.
気持ち is the most common and versatile, covering emotions, physical comfort, and opinions. 感情 is more formal and analytical, used for emotions in a psychological sense. 感じ is primarily for physical sensations or vague impressions.
The weather feels nice, doesn't it?
Control one's emotions.
It feels cold.
English often uses 'feelings' where Japanese would use a more specific word or omit it entirely. For example, 'I have a feeling that...' is often なんとなく or 気がする, not 気持ち. Always consider the intended meaning.
この椅子は気持ちがいい。
This chair feels good.
指の感覚がなくなった。
I lost feeling in my fingers.
この問題についてのあなたの考えを聞かせてください。
Please tell me your feelings on this issue.
皆さんの意見を聞きたいです。
I'd like to hear everyone's feelings.
I have feelings for her.
子供に愛情を注ぐ。
To pour feelings of love into a child.
彼の心を傷つけるようなことを言わないで。
Don't say things that will hurt his feelings.
I'm harboring complicated feelings.