Translation guide
The English word "impression" covers a wide range of meanings, from a vague feeling or hunch to a lasting effect or mark. In Japanese, different words and expressions are used depending on what kind of impression you mean. This guide breaks down the most common uses for learners.
Expressing a personal feeling, thought, or reaction to an experience, person, or thing.
The most direct and common translation for 'impression' as a general feeling or image one gets from something. Used in a wide range of contexts.
彼の第一印象はとても良かった。
My first impression of him was very good.
その映画の印象を教えてください。
Please tell me your impression of the movie.
Refers to one's thoughts or opinions after experiencing something, like a book, movie, or event. Often used when asking for feedback.
読んだ感想を聞かせてください。
Please tell me your impressions after reading it.
Expressing a gut feeling or intuition that something is true without clear evidence.
A very common phrase meaning 'I have a feeling that...' or 'I get the impression that...'. Used for intuitive, unconfirmed impressions.
彼は来ないような気がする。
I have an impression that he won't come.
何か忘れている気がする。
I have an impression that I'm forgetting something.
Similar to 気がする, but slightly more sensory or atmospheric. 'I get the feeling/impression that...'
今日は何かいいことがありそうな感じがする。
I have an impression that something good will happen today.
Describing the impact or mark left on a person or situation, often in terms of making an impression on others.
Literally 'to give an impression'. Used when someone or something creates a certain impression on others.
彼は面接官に良い印象を与えた。
He made a good impression on the interviewer.
Means 'to leave an impression' or 'to be memorable'. Used for things that stay in one's memory.
彼女のスピーチはとても印象に残った。
Her speech left a strong impression on me.
Doing an impression of someone, like a celebrity or character, for entertainment.
The standard word for 'impression' as in mimicking someone's voice or mannerisms. Often used in comedy.
彼は有名人の物まねが上手だ。
He is good at doing impressions of celebrities.
Katakana version of 物まね, often used in entertainment contexts.
A physical impression left on a surface, like a footprint or dent.
General word for a mark, trace, or impression left behind. Can be physical or metaphorical.
雪に足跡が残っていた。
There were footprints (impressions) left in the snow.
Refers to an engraved mark or stamp, often used for official seals or metaphorical lasting impressions.
印象 (inshō) is a broader term for the image or feeling you get from something, often instantaneous. 感想 (kansō) is more about your thoughts and opinions after experiencing something, like a review. Use 印象 for first impressions or gut feelings, and 感想 for detailed feedback.
When talking about mimicking someone, do not use 印象. The correct word is 物まね (monomane). Saying 印象をする is unnatural.
彼はモノマネが得意だ。
He is good at doing impressions.
この指輪には刻印がある。
This ring has an impression (engraving).