Translation guide
Expressing romantic or emotional attachment to someone in Japanese, ranging from casual liking to deep love.
I have feelings for him.
I've had feelings for you for a long time.
Means someone is on your mind in a romantic or curious way. Softer than 好き, often used when feelings are just starting.
Lately, I've been having feelings for that person.
A more formal or literary way to say 'have romantic feelings.' Often used in writing or serious discussions.
I have romantic feelings for her.
Literally 'to hold favorable feelings.' Can be romantic or platonic depending on context, but often implies romantic interest.
I have feelings for him.
To express stronger, deeper feelings, closer to love.
The strongest expression of love. Used in serious relationships, but can feel heavy or dramatic in casual contexts.
I have deep feelings for you. / I love you.
Stronger than 好き, but less intense than 愛している. Commonly used to express deep affection without the weight of 'love.'
I have strong feelings for you.
A poetic way to say you harbor feelings for someone, often unrequited or from afar.
To describe having feelings that are not openly expressed.
The English phrase 'have feelings for' does not translate directly into a single Japanese expression. Instead, use context-appropriate phrases like 好き or 気になる. A literal translation like 感情を持っている sounds unnatural and is not used for romantic feelings.
好き is the default for expressing romantic interest and is used in confessions. 愛している is much heavier and often reserved for long-term, committed relationships. Using 愛している too early can feel overwhelming.
I have feelings for you. Please go out with me.
We've been married 10 years, and I still have deep feelings for you.
I secretly have feelings for her.