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.
My first impression of him was very good.
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.
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.
I have an impression that he won't come.
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...'
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.
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.
Her speech left a strong impression on me.
Doing an impression of someone, like a celebrity or character, for entertainment.
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.
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).