Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing a premonition often involves describing a gut feeling or a sense that something is about to happen, rather than using a single direct noun. The most common expressions are based on the word 予感 (yokan), which covers both positive and negative premonitions. For negative premonitions, especially in casual speech, 胸騒ぎ (munasawagi) is frequently used. Other options include more literary or formal terms.
Expressing a feeling that something is going to happen, without specifying whether it is good or bad.
The most common and versatile word for 'premonition' or 'hunch'. Can be used for both positive and negative feelings, but often neutral or positive when used alone.
いい予感がする。
I have a good feeling about this.
何かが起こる予感がした。
I had a premonition that something was going to happen.
Literally 'insect's notice', this is a somewhat old-fashioned or folksy expression for an intuitive premonition, often about something bad. It implies a mysterious, almost supernatural feeling.
虫の知らせで、今日は傘を持ってきた。
I had a hunch it would rain, so I brought an umbrella.
Refers to foreknowledge or precognition, often used in paranormal contexts. More formal and less common in daily conversation.
彼は未来を予知する能力があると言われている。
He is said to have the ability to foresee the future.
Expressing a feeling that something bad is about to happen.
A strong, uneasy feeling in one's chest; a sense of foreboding. Very common in casual and spoken Japanese.
胸騒ぎがして、家に電話した。
I had a bad feeling and called home.
何だか胸騒ぎがする。
I have a strange feeling of foreboding.
Literally 'bad premonition'. A straightforward way to say you have a bad feeling. Very natural and widely used.
嫌な予感が当たった。
My bad feeling came true.
A formal or literary term for an evil omen or sign of impending disaster. Rare in everyday speech.
Expressing a feeling that something good is about to happen.
The most natural way to say 'good premonition' or 'good feeling'. Simply add いい (good) before 予感.
今日はいい予感がする。
I have a good feeling about today.
A formal or literary term for a good omen. Often used in contexts like fortune-telling or traditional beliefs.
白い蛇は吉兆とされている。
A white snake is considered a good omen.
予感 is a general premonition that can be good or bad, while 胸騒ぎ specifically refers to an uneasy, anxious feeling in your chest. Use 胸騒ぎ when you feel physically unsettled by a bad premonition.
For weaker premonitions or vague hunches, you can use 〜気がする (I have a feeling that...). This is less specific than 予感 and very common in daily conversation.
雨が降る気がする。
I have a feeling it's going to rain.
彼女は何か恐ろしいことが起こる予感がした。
She had a premonition that something terrible would happen.
胸騒ぎを無視して後悔した。
I ignored my premonition and regretted it.
The black clouds were regarded as an evil omen.