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.
The most common and versatile word for 'feelings' as emotions. Can be used in many contexts.
彼の気持ちを傷つけてしまった。
I hurt his feelings.
今の気持ちを教えてください。
Please tell me how you feel right now.
A more formal or analytical term for 'emotions'. Often used in psychological or literary contexts.
感情を抑えるのは良くない。
It's not good to suppress your feelings.
Refers to deep feelings, thoughts, or wishes, often with a poetic or heartfelt nuance.
彼女への思いを伝えた。
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.
変な感じがする。
I have a strange feeling.
痛い感じが続いている。
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'.
私の気持ちとしては、賛成です。
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.
あなたに気持ちを伝えたい。
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.
Used in phrases about considering or hurting someone's feelings.
相手の気持ちを考えなさい。
Consider the other person's feelings.
Literally 'heart', but often used to mean someone's emotional state or feelings.
Expressing that you have conflicting or complicated emotions.
The standard way to say 'mixed feelings' or 'complicated feelings'.
複雑な気持ちです。
I have mixed feelings.
A more formal or literary expression for 'complex state of mind'.
複雑な心境を抱えている。
I'm harboring complicated feelings.
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.
気持ちがいい天気ですね。
The weather feels nice, doesn't it?
感情をコントロールする。
Control one's emotions.
冷たい感じがする。
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.
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.
I'd like to hear everyone's feelings.
彼女に恋心を抱いている。
I have feelings for her.
子供に愛情を注ぐ。
To pour feelings of love into a child.
Don't say things that will hurt his feelings.