Translation guide
A feeling that something is about to happen, especially something unpleasant. In Japanese, this is often expressed through nouns like 予感 (yokan) or verbs like 気がする (ki ga suru). The most natural translation depends on whether the feeling is vague, ominous, or based on intuition.
Expressing a general sense of anticipation, not necessarily negative.
The most direct equivalent. Can be used for both positive and negative premonitions. Often used with がする.
I have a presentiment that something good is going to happen.
A very common phrase meaning 'I have a feeling that...' or 'I get the sense that...'. It's softer and more subjective than 予感.
I have a presentiment that something bad will happen today.
Literally 'insect's notice', this is an idiomatic expression for an intuitive premonition, often about something negative. It carries a slightly superstitious nuance.
Thanks to a presentiment, I was able to avoid the accident.
Specifically a feeling that something bad is about to happen.
A feeling of unease or anxiety in one's chest, often used for a premonition of something bad. It implies a physical sensation of unrest.
I had a presentiment and called home.
Literally 'bad presentiment'. A very common and straightforward way to say you have a bad feeling about something.
My presentiment came true.
A more formal or literary way to say 'ominous presentiment'. 不吉 means 'ominous' or 'ill-omened'.
I was seized by a presentiment of doom.
A gut feeling or intuition about something, not necessarily negative.
Means 'intuition' or 'gut feeling'. It's less about a specific event and more about an instinctive sense.
I had a presentiment that he was lying.
An onomatopoeic phrase meaning 'to have a flash of intuition' or 'to get a hunch'. Often used when something suddenly clicks.
I had a presentiment about what he meant.
予感 is a noun meaning 'premonition' and is neutral in tone. 気がする is a phrase meaning 'I have a feeling' and is very subjective. 胸騒ぎ specifically refers to an uneasy, physical sensation of foreboding. Use 予感 for general premonitions, 気がする for vague feelings, and 胸騒ぎ when you feel it in your gut.
I have a good presentiment.
I have a feeling I forgot something.
I had a presentiment and couldn't sleep.