Translation guide
How to express 'one's opinion' in Japanese, covering general statements, personal views, and formal expressions.
Expressing what someone thinks or believes about a topic.
The most common and neutral word for 'opinion'. Can be used in both casual and formal settings.
彼の意見に賛成です。
I agree with his opinion.
自分の意見をはっきり言ってください。
Please state your opinion clearly.
Literally 'thought' or 'thinking', often used to mean 'opinion' or 'view'. Slightly more personal and introspective than 意見.
私の考えでは、それは無理だと思います。
In my opinion, I think that's impossible.
Formal term for 'opinion' or 'view', often used in business or academic contexts.
専門家の見解を聞きたい。
I'd like to hear the expert's opinion.
Phrases to introduce your own opinion.
The most basic way to say 'I think that...'. Attach to the plain form of a clause.
この映画は面白いと思う。
I think this movie is interesting.
彼は来ないと思います。
I think he won't come.
Literally 'in my opinion', used to preface a statement. Slightly more formal than 〜と思う.
私の意見では、この計画はうまくいかないでしょう。
In my opinion, this plan won't go well.
Softens the opinion, meaning 'I suspect that...' or 'I think that perhaps...'. Common in spoken Japanese.
彼はもう帰ったのではないかと思う。
I think he may have already gone home.
How to ask someone what they think.
Standard polite way to ask 'What do you think?'.
この問題についてどう思いますか？
What do you think about this problem?
Polite request: 'Please let me hear your opinion.'
皆さんの意見を聞かせてください。
Please share your opinions, everyone.
Expressing what people generally think, or a widely held view.
Means 'it is said that...' or 'people say that...'. Used to convey a common opinion without specifying the source.
日本は安全な国だと言われている。
It is said that Japan is a safe country.
Formal way to say 'it is generally thought that...'.
一般的には、早期教育が重要だと考えられている。
It is generally thought that early education is important.
Expressing an opinion in a formal setting, such as a meeting or report.
Formal term for 'opinion' or 'observation', often used in professional reports or evaluations.
医師の所見では、手術は必要ないとのことです。
According to the doctor's opinion, surgery is not necessary.
Already introduced, but especially common in formal statements.
English uses 'one's' as an impersonal pronoun, but Japanese often omits the subject or uses 自分の (one's own) or 人の (people's) depending on context. Do not directly translate 'one's' as a single word.
自分の意見を言うのは大切だ。
It's important to state one's opinion.
In Japanese, direct statements of opinion can sound too assertive. Use patterns like 〜と思う, 〜のではないかと思う, or sentence-ending particles like ね or よ to soften the tone.
当社の見解を申し上げます。
I will state our company's opinion.