Translation guide
The state of being present in a place, the feeling of someone's existence or atmosphere, or a person's impressive bearing. Japanese expresses these ideas through nouns, verbs, and descriptive phrases, often focusing on existence, atmosphere, or personal impact.
The fact that someone or something is in a particular location.
The most direct translation for 'presence' as existence or being there. Can be used for people, objects, or abstract things.
彼の存在に気づかなかった。
I didn't notice his presence.
その部屋には誰かの存在を感じた。
I felt someone's presence in the room.
A more colloquial way to express someone's presence, literally 'the fact of being (there)'. Often used in casual speech.
彼がここにいることが重要だ。
His presence here is important.
Refers to a visible figure or appearance, often implying presence through sight. Can be poetic.
彼の姿はもう見えなかった。
His presence was no longer visible.
The distinctive feeling or impression that someone or something creates.
Literally 'sense of presence', this is the most common way to describe someone's aura or the feeling that they fill a room.
彼女は存在感がある。
She has a strong presence.
彼は存在感が薄い。
He has a weak presence (he doesn't stand out).
Means 'atmosphere' or 'mood', often used to describe the presence a person brings to a situation.
Loanword from English 'aura', used for a charismatic or mystical presence. Somewhat colloquial.
A person's commanding or dignified manner that draws attention.
Refers to a dignified, weighty presence, often associated with age, experience, or authority.
彼は社長としての貫禄がある。
He has the presence of a company president.
Means 'dignity' or 'majesty', implying a solemn and impressive presence.
An overwhelming presence, combining 'overwhelming' with 'sense of presence'.
彼の圧倒的な存在感に誰もが圧倒された。
Everyone was overwhelmed by his commanding presence.
The ability to stay calm and think clearly in a difficult situation.
Means 'calmness' or 'composure', the closest equivalent to 'presence of mind'.
彼は非常時にも冷静さを失わなかった。
He kept his presence of mind even in an emergency.
Refers to composure or self-possession, often used in everyday contexts.
彼女はいつも落ち着きがある。
She always has presence of mind.
The deployment of forces in an area to maintain order or show strength.
Specifically means 'stationing' of troops, often used for military presence.
その地域には軍の駐留がある。
There is a military presence in the area.
Means 'deployment', used for police or military forces being positioned.
Directly translating 'presence' as 存在 (sonzai) when referring to someone's aura can sound unnatural. Use 存在感 (sonzaikan) or 雰囲気 (fun'iki) instead.
彼女は存在感がある。
She has a strong presence.
存在 (sonzai) is the abstract fact of existing, while 存在感 (sonzaikan) is the perceived impact or aura of that existence. Use 存在 for 'presence' as being somewhere, and 存在感 for 'presence' as charisma.
彼の存在を確認した。
I confirmed his presence (that he was there).
彼の存在感はすごい。
His presence (aura) is amazing.
会議へのご出席をお願いします。
Your presence is requested at the meeting.
Uses 出席 (attendance) rather than 存在, which is more natural for formal invitations.
暗闇に何か不思議な気配を感じた。
He felt a strange presence in the dark.
気配 (kehai) is often used for a sensed but unseen presence.
He has a unique presence.
He radiates an incredible presence.
The king's presence full of dignity.
警察が大規模に展開している。
There is a large police presence.