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.
I have a good feeling about this.
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.
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.
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.
I had a bad feeling and called home.
Literally 'bad premonition'. A straightforward way to say you have a bad feeling. Very natural and widely used.
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.
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.
I have a good premonition.
I have a bad feeling (in my chest).
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.
I have a feeling it's going to rain.
She had a premonition that something terrible would happen.
I ignored my premonition and regretted it.
I have a strange feeling of foreboding.
その黒い雲は凶兆と見なされた。
The black clouds were regarded as an evil omen.
白い蛇は吉兆とされている。
A white snake is considered a good omen.