Translation guide
To cause someone to notice or remember you, often by being striking, memorable, or effective. Japanese has several ways to express this, depending on whether you want to leave a strong impression, a good impression, or simply be noticed.
To be memorable or striking, often in a positive or neutral sense.
Literally 'remain in one's impression'. This is the most common and natural way to say something or someone made an impression.
His speech made an impression.
The final scene of that movie left a strong impression on me.
Literally 'give an impression'. Often used when someone deliberately tries to make a certain impression.
He made a good impression on the interviewer.
To leave a strong impression. More emphatic than 印象に残る.
Her singing voice left a strong impression.
To cause someone to think well of you, especially in social or professional settings.
Specifically means to give a favorable impression. Common in business and personal contexts.
Please tell me some tips for making a good first impression.
A more general way to say 'give a good impression'. Slightly less formal than 好印象.
A smile makes a good impression.
To attract attention or be memorable, sometimes in a showy or deliberate way.
To be remembered for a long time.
印象に残る is intransitive and describes something that naturally leaves an impression. 印象を与える is transitive and often implies a deliberate action to create an impression.
The scenery made an impression (on me).
He deliberately made a bad impression.
Avoid directly translating 'make' as 作る (つくる). Phrases like 印象を作る are not natural Japanese. Use the set phrases above.
The new employee made an impression from day one.
The events of that day still make an impression on me.