Translation guide
The English word "impact" covers physical collision, strong effect or influence, and the act of pressing firmly. Japanese uses different words for each meaning, and some common English uses require rephrasing.
Describing a powerful effect, influence, or impression on someone or something.
The most general and common word for influence or effect. Can be used in almost any context.
The news had a big impact on him.
We need to consider the impact on the environment.
Emphasizes a sudden, shocking, or emotional impact. Often used for news, events, or psychological shock.
The news of the accident was a huge impact (shock).
His words had a strong impact on me.
A loanword from English, often used in business, marketing, or creative contexts to mean a strong impression or striking effect.
This advertisement has impact.
I want to give the presentation more impact.
Means effect or result. Used when impact is about the tangible outcome or effectiveness of something.
The impact of the new policy is still unknown.
Describing the moment when one object hits another, or the force of that collision.
The standard word for physical impact, shock, or collision. Used for car crashes, explosions, etc.
The car was destroyed by the impact of the collision.
Specifically means collision or crash. Focuses on the event of two things hitting each other.
Sometimes used in technical or sports contexts for the moment of impact, like a golf club hitting a ball.
Describing the action of forcing something into a tight space or making it stuck.
To cram or pack tightly. Used for putting things into a container or space forcefully.
He impacted the clothes into the suitcase. (He crammed the clothes in.)
To push or force into. Similar to 詰め込む but emphasizes the pushing action.
To fit or set into. Used when something is designed to fit tightly, like a gem in a setting.
Describing the action of having a strong effect on someone or something.
While インパクト is a common loanword, it is not as versatile as English "impact." For general influence or effect, 影響 is safer. インパクト is best for striking, memorable impressions in media, design, or casual speech.
The policy had a big impact on the economy. (Not インパクト)
影響 is a broad, neutral word for influence or effect. 衝撃 implies a sudden, forceful, or shocking impact, whether physical or emotional. Use 衝撃 when you want to emphasize the intensity or surprise.
His death had a huge impact on me (emotionally shocking).
The impact of the new law was immediate.
The car crumpled on impact.
Her speech made a strong impact on the audience.
Here 'impact' is better translated as 印象 (impression) because it's about the lasting mental effect.
The impact of the explosion shattered the windows.
トラックとバスが衝突した。
A truck and a bus collided (had an impact).
インパクトの瞬間に力を込める。
Put power into the moment of impact.
栓を瓶に押し込んだ。
He impacted the stopper into the bottle. (He forced the stopper in.)
宝石を指輪にはめ込む。
To impact a gem into a ring. (To set a gem in a ring.)
Climate change seriously impacts agriculture.
The movie impacted the audience (shocked them).
彼のアドバイスは私のキャリアに良い影響を与えた。
His advice had a good impact on my career (positive influence).