Translation guide
The act of recalling past experiences, often with a sense of nostalgia. In Japanese, this is expressed through nouns, verbs, and phrases that emphasize memory, nostalgia, or storytelling.
Expressing the general act of reminiscing or recalling past events.
A neutral noun meaning 'recollection' or 'retrospection'. Often used in formal or written contexts.
He often reminisces about his childhood.
A more literary or poetic term for 'reminiscence', often implying a deep, emotional recollection.
She indulged in reminiscences of days gone by.
A common phrase meaning 'to immerse oneself in memories' or 'to bask in reminiscences'.
He was reminiscing while looking at old photos.
A straightforward way to say 'recall the past' or 'reminisce'. Very natural in conversation.
Sometimes I reminisce about the past.
Referring to a narrative or written work that recounts personal memories.
Expressing the emotional aspect of reminiscence, often with a sense of longing or fondness.
Nostalgia or homesickness; a sentimental longing for the past.
That song makes me feel nostalgic (reminiscent).
Loanword for 'nostalgia', often used in modern contexts.
A common phrase meaning 'a nostalgic feeling'. 懐かしい is the adjective for 'nostalgic'.
回想 (recollection) is more formal and often used in written or analytical contexts, while 思い出 (memory) is the everyday word for personal memories. To express 'reminiscing', 思い出に浸る or 昔を思い出す are more natural than using 回想する in casual speech.
He often reminisces.
He is writing his reminiscences.
The English noun 'reminiscence' is often best translated with a verb phrase or a more specific noun in Japanese. Using 回想 directly in casual conversation may sound stiff. Choose the expression based on context: storytelling (思い出話), feeling (懐かしさ), or formal recollection (回想).
A casual term for 'reminiscences' as stories or anecdotes shared in conversation.
I like listening to my grandmother's reminiscences.
その政治家は回顧録を出版した。
The politician published his reminiscences.
This movie evokes 80s nostalgia.
Looking at old albums makes me feel reminiscent.